One-pot reaction of CO₂, epichlorohydrin and amine to synthesize 4-(phenylamino)methyl-ethylene carbonate catalyzed by ionic liquids

Ionic liquids were firstly used as catalysts for one-pot synthesis of 4-(phenylamino)methyl-ethylene carbonate from CO₂, epichlorohydrin and aniline without the utilization of any solvents or additives. The effects of the ratio of epichlorohydrin and aniline, catalyst amount, reaction temperature, time and initial CO₂ pressure were investigated. The catalytic activity of the reaction was affected by the anions of ionic liquids and followed the order of Cl^- > Br^- > OAc ^- > BF₄^- > PF₆^-. The possible reaction mechanism was proposed based on the reaction results.