A comprehensive overview of the catalytic pathway for CO₂ utilization with epoxide to cyclic carbonate

Abstract

This review is focused on the promising area of CO₂ utilization with epoxide for cyclic carbonate production through various catalytic pathways of the cycloaddition reaction. Herein, we have attempted to summarize the salient points of the latest research studies on the cycloaddition of CO₂ to epoxides and to document the advancements of the relevant catalysts that can convert CO₂ to cyclic carbonates under various conditions. It starts with an introduction about the emission sources of CO₂ from different sectors and their impact on the environment and CO₂ utilization in cyclic carbonates through several epoxides. Recent advances in mechanistic insights and designs of suitable catalysts for cyclic carbonate synthesis are comprehensively discussed in subsequent sections. The catalytic systems have been organized in families of compounds and thoroughly examined in terms of availability, catalytic performance, and mechanistic route. Ultimately, the techno-economic evaluation and various related process designs and simulations are highlighted here.