Applications and Synthesis of Chiral Cyclic Carbonates from Asymmetric CO2 Conversion

The cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides leading to cyclic carbonates is one of the most investigated strategies for the valorization of CO2 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 CO2 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 CO2 and epoxides. Finally, insights into potential developments in the applications and synthesis of chiral cyclic carbonates are provided.