Applications and Synthesis of Chiral Cyclic Carbonates from Asymmetric CO₂ Conversion

Abstract The cycloaddition of CO 2 to epoxides leading to cyclic carbonates is one of the most investigated strategies for the valorization of CO 2 through the production of useful chemicals. While most efforts in this area focus on the development of new catalytic protocols and on the applications of racemic chiral carbonates, the asymmetric coupling of CO 2 and epoxides catalyzed by chiral catalysts serves as a method to resolve racemic epoxides and simultaneously obtain optically pure cyclic carbonates. Moreover, the latter find applications as reagents and solvents that are reviewed in this manuscript. Therefore, the strategies for the synthesis of enantiopure cyclic carbonates are discussed with a focus on the mechanistic and catalytic aspects of the asymmetric coupling of CO 2 and epoxides. Finally, insights into potential developments in the applications and synthesis of chiral cyclic carbonates are provided.