Outline

   Carbon dioxide (CO2) contributes to global warming, but importantly, it is also a renewable carbon source that exists most abundantly on the Earth. Development of methods for the conversions of CO2 into useful chemical materials is one of the most urgent challenges facing humanity, and research and development are done in the world. Among them, the synthesis of cyclic carbonates and polycarbonates from CO2 and epoxides is one of the most promising reactions.

Objectives and future plan

   We develop reactions and catalysts for the conversions of CO2 into useful materials. For example, we created excellent catalysts for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates or polycarbonates from CO2 and epoxides, such as bifunctional metalloporphyrin catalysts bearing quaternary ammonium bromide.
   We are devoted to the development of environmentally benign solvent-free organic synthesis using CO2 and other renewable carbon sources that are independent of fossil fuels, such as non-edible biomass-based chemicals from orange peels, aiming at green and sustainable world.

URL

http://achem.okayama-u.ac.jp/soc/