Simple and efficient synthesis of cyclic carbonates using quaternized glycine as a green catalyst

Abstract

Microwave-assisted quaternization of glycine (GLY) resulted in the synthesis of an efficient catalyst, quaternized glycine (QGLY), for the solventless synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO₂ under mild reaction conditions. Density functional theory was used to simulate the synergistic influence of the COOH group and the halide ion of QGLY in enhancing the catalytic activity.