Catalysis in and with Carbon Dioxide : Selective Aerobic Oxidations and Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates

Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) provides unique physical and chemical properties and can be used very innovatively and successfully as an advance, non-conventional reaction medium and alternative carbon source in catalytic reactions. The employment of scCO2 as reaction medium not only allows the elimination of organic solvents, but directly influences catalytic processes due to its unique physico-chemical properties as well as via its reactivity. If used together in the right way, catalysis and carbon dioxide form a useful liaison that can lead to new and sustainable processes and products. Thus, this thesis provides a detailed look at the aerobic oxidation of alkyl aromatics in compressed CO2 and the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxy oleo derivatives.