Efficient and convenient catalytic regioselective synthesis of 2-oxazolidinones from CO2 and aziridines over reusable SBA-15 supported hydroxyacetate-functionalized ionic liquid.

A type of mesoporous SBA-15 supported imidazolium functionalized ionic liquids were prepared, characterized and tested as effective and practical catalysts for the synthesis of 2-oxazolidinones by the cycloaddition of CO₂ and aziridines. The effects of reaction parameters such as type of catalysts, catalyst amount, CO₂ pressure, reaction temperature and catalyst stability have also been investigated in detail, the catalyst SBA-15@DMIL-HOCH₂COO exhibited high activity with good yields and excellent regioselectivities. In addition, the catalyst can be easily and effectively recycled for five times with no significant loss in its catalytic activity and selectivity. This work introduces a new, convenient, highly efficient and environmentally friendly pathway to explore the supported ionic liquids for the chemical fixation of carbon dioxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]