Mechanistic Insights into Cyclic Thiocarbonate Synthesis using Environmentally Benign Catalysts

摘要

Alkali metal halides are among the most abundant and economic natural resources. However, an alkali metal halide alone is a less reactive catalyst in organic synthesis, because of its neutrality and low solubility in organic solvents. To solve these problems and to activate alkali metal halides, polyether compounds such as crown ethers and polyethylene glycols are often used with alkali metal halides in organic synthesis. Polyether compounds are known to form complexes with potassium and sodium halides, and these complexes are soluble in organic solvents. Furthermore, the halide anions in these complexes are more naked and more nucleophilic.