Regioselective synthesis of 5-aryl-2-oxazolidinones from carbon dioxide and aziridines using Br−Ph3+PPEG600P+Ph3Br− as an efficient, homogenous recyclable catalyst at ambient conditions

Polyethylene glycol functionalized phosphonium salt (Br−Ph3+PPEG600P+Ph3Br−) was found to be an efficient, homogenous, recyclable catalyst for coupling of CO2 with a variety of aziridines producing corresponding 5-aryl-2-oxazolidinones with good yields and excellent regioselectivity under relatively mild and solvent free conditions. Furthermore, the catalyst was effectively recycled for four consecutive cycles without any significant loss in its catalytic activity and selectivity.