( n -Bu 2 Sn) 2 O(CO 3 ): An active, robust and recyclable organotin(IV) for the direct synthesis of linear organic carbonates from carbon dioxide and alcohols

Abstract : Organotin(IV) compounds are known to promote the direct synthesis of organic carbonates from carbon dioxide and alcohols. In the past, structural studies have highlighted that the carbonato moiety is a recurring ligand of tin species collected during CO2 pressurized reactions. In a mimetic approach and in order to achieve an available and recyclable precursor, the title compound (n-Bu2Sn)2O(CO3) (1) was prepared in a single step by reacting commercial di-n-butyltin dichloride with an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate. Compound 1 was characterized using infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric and elemental analyses. Multinuclear NMR investigations in solution were also conducted. Compound 1 was then evaluated for the direct carbonation of alcohols (methanol, ethanol, n-butanol and isopropanol) under CO2 pressure. Recycling experiments were performed showing the efficient reuse of 1 without loss of activity. Furthermore, the infrared fingerprint of 1 was preserved even after several runs demonstrating a good stability. The effects of pressure and of reaction time on dimethyl carbonate formation were also studied.