Ionic Liquid as a Catalyst toward NIPU via a Microwave Radiation Process

Abstract

In this work, catalytic and microwave intensification effects on the ring-opening reaction between butanediol bicyclic carbonates and Jeffamine D230 were investigated. It was found that tetrabutyl methyl carbonate has perfect catalytic effects compared to conventional catalysts such as lithium bromide and can be substantially intensified by microwave heating and flow chemistry. The ionic liquid can be easily recovered from the product by using water washing and reused with little decay in reactivity. These results represent significant opportunities for the development of a green and sustainable route of nonisocyanate polyurethane.