Catalytic Performance of Oxydianiline-Derived Polybenzoxazine in the Cycloaddition of CO(2) with Epoxides for Selective and Cleaner Production of Cyclic Carbonates

Benzoxazine-based polymer (PBZ) acts as a catalyst for converting CO(2) into cyclic carbonates. PBZ-ODA was successfully synthesized and examined for its catalytic efficiency, proving to be effective under milder conditions with higher yields at room temperature without solvents. Various terminal monoepoxides showed good to excellent conversion rates, while epoxides with aromatic or bulky groups and second oxirane rings also were able to produce corresponding cyclic carbonates. Recyclability tests demonstrated that regenerated PBZ-ODA retained 93% of its catalytic activity. Overall, there was a low catalyst deactivation, as investigated by chemical experiments, SEM-EDX, TGA, FT-IR, XPS, XRD and NMR. The catalyst is reusable and suitable for use in flow or batch reactors.