Heterogeneous base catalyzed synthesis of 2-oxazolidinones/2-imidiazolidinones via transesterification of ethylene carbonate with β-aminoalcohols/1,2-diamines

• Published in: Applied catalysis. A, General General, 2008-06, Vol.341 (1), p.133-138
• Main Authors: Jagtap, Sachin R., Patil, Yogesh P., Fujita, Shin-Ichiro, Arai, Masahiko, Bhanage, Bhalchandra M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Basic metal oxide; Ethylene carbonate; Heterogeneous catalysis; Imidiazolidinones; Oxazolidinones
• ISSN: 0926-860X; 1873-3875
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apcata.2008.02.035

Several heterogeneous basic metal oxide catalysts were screened for the synthesis of 2-oxazolidinones and 2-imidiazolidinones via transesterification of ethylene carbonate with different β-aminoalcohols or 1,2-diamines. Among the several catalysts screened, MgO was found to be the best catalyst, as it has excellent recyclability. Various reaction parameters were studied in detail. Excellent yields of the products were obtained using MgO as catalysts at 80 °C within 6 h in ethanol. Basic properties of the metal oxide catalysts were compared using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) studies with CO 2. The relationship between the catalyst performance and the basic property of each catalyst has been discussed. Syntheses of 2-oxazolidinones and 2-imidiazolidinones via transesterification of ethylene carbonate with different β-aminoalcohols or 1,2-diamines using several basic metal oxides were studied. The basic properties of the various metal oxide catalysts were compared using TPD studies with CO 2. Among the several catalysts screened, MgO was found to be best catalyst, for it has excellent recyclability. Various reaction parameters were studied in detail. Excellent yields of the products were obtained using MgO as catalyst at 80 °C within 6 h in ethanol. ▪