Easily accessible bifunctional Zn(salpyr) catalysts for the formation of organic carbonates

Alkylated Zn(salpyr) complexes (salpyr = N,N′-bis[salicylidene]-3,4-pyridinediamine) were prepared and used as catalyst precursors for the formation of cyclic carbonates from a range of (functional) epoxides and CO₂. Reaction conditions were optimized to achieve good isolated yields of the targeted products. The molecular structure of the most active bifunctional Zn(salpyr) derivative was also resolved by X-ray diffraction.