Understanding low-pressure CO2 insertion chemistry in epoxide–CO2 copolymerization catalysis
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Despite many CO 2 use strategies being reliant on fast and selective CO 2 insertion reactions into metal-alkoxide bonds, in-depth studies into this chemistry remain rare. Here the effect of CO 2 pressure on the CO 2 insertion chemistry is studied using epoxide–CO 2 copolymerizations. Five high-performance literature catalysts are investigated under systematically varied CO 2 pressures, revealing kinetic profiles indicative of CO 2 insertion equilibria. For each catalyst, two key parameters describing the CO 2 insertion chemistry are determined: the equilibrium constant, K eq , and the saturation CO 2 pressure above which catalytic performance is maximized, P threshold . Generalizable correlations between copolymerization activity, K eq and P threshold are uncovered and used to predict performances for four further catalyst–monomer combinations. These correlations are a direct link between CO 2 insertion chemistry and process operating conditions, providing a mechanistic framework and testing protocols to accelerate future catalyst development. These results should help deliver efficient scalable CO 2 use technologies, operating with minimal energy.
Source: Nature Chemistry
Authors: Rosie Thorogood, Katharina H. S. Eisenhardt, Madeleine L. Smith, Charlotte K. Williams
Institution: University of Oxford
Language: English
Subfield: Process Chemistry and Technology
Field: Chemical Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $12,690
OpenAlex ID: W7159645054