Photochemical N-Formylation of Amines and Cyclic Carbonate Synthesis from Epoxides by the Use of Light-Mediated Fixation of Carbon Dioxide Using Covalent Organic Framework/g-C3N4 Composites

Abstract

A proficient heterogeneous catalytic system for the photocatalytic N-formylation reaction of amines and cyclic carbonate synthesis from epoxides using CO₂ as a carbon source under ambient reaction conditions has been documented. A sophisticated approach has been established for the current photocatalytic process, aiming for the successful production of formamides and cyclic carbonates with high levels of selectivity and efficiency by adjusting several variables such as the solvent, time, as well as light source involved in the reaction. We have synthesized two distinct catalysts, T-COF and N-COF, along with the g-C₃N₄ heterojunction, demonstrating outstanding photocatalytic performance. Compared to g-C₃N₄@N-COF, the g-C₃N₄@T-COF photocatalyst showed significantly better catalytic efficiency in the light-driven formation of cyclic carbonates and formamides using CO₂ under other suitable reaction conditions at room temperature. The g-C₃N₄@COF photocatalysts can be recycled and used multiple times without any noticeable decrease in the efficiency.