A neat and practical platform for the conversion of CO2 and epoxides into cyclic carbonates using zinc(II)-imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine catalysts.

A series of Zn(II) complexes containing imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine ligands were synthesized, characterized and employed as catalysts in the conversion of CO2 and epoxides into cyclic carbonates under mild and solvent-free conditions using balloon-pressure CO2. Aiming for practical societal benefit, these catalysts were successfully utilized to consume CO2 from scooter exhaust gas.