Conversion of atmospheric CO catalyzed by thiolate-based ionic liquids under mild conditions: efficient synthesis of 2-oxazolidinones.

Thiolate-based ionic liquids, specifically the catalyst [TBP][2-Tp], have demonstrated their efficiency in catalyzing the reaction of CO with propargylic amine. This novel synthetic method can be used to synthesize various 2-oxazolidinone derivatives with high yields. The catalyst can be easily regenerated and reused without any decline in its catalytic activity. Experimental and spectroscopic investigations have confirmed that the high activity of [TBP][2-Tp] is attributed to the synergistic effect of its S and N sites in activating CO, rather than depending solely on basicity to activate the amino group of propargylic amine. These findings highlight the significant potential of thiolate-based ionic liquids for applications in CO activation and conversion.