Highly efficient conversion of CO to cyclic carbonates with a binary catalyst system in a microreactor: intensification of "electrophile-nucleophile" synergistic effect.

An intensification of the "electrophile-nucleophile" synergistic effect was achieved in a microreactor for the coupling reaction of CO and epoxides mediated by the binary Al complex/ternary ammonium salt catalyst system. The microreactor technology is proven to be a powerful tool for the preparation of cyclic carbonates with an improved reaction rate and a wide substrate scope.