Abstract

Herein, using diphenyl carbonate as a green carbonyl source in a carbonylation reaction with Pd(II)-NHC catalysis, we demonstrate a useful, secure, and highly effective protocol for the synthesis of highly valuable cyclic carbonates from their respective diols. The different diols with electron-rich/electron-poor groups were effectively converted into their corresponding value-added cyclic carbonates products under Pd(II)-NHC catalysis using intermolecular carbonylation reactions under mild reaction conditions. In addition, this new system enables the synthesis of sterically challenging cyclic carbonates that are otherwise inaccessible, such as tetrasubstituted pinacol carbonates.