Zwitterionic cellular polymer enabled reductive fixation of CO_(2) for N-methylation of amines

Using heterogeneous catalysts to promote the construction of the C–N bond between amines and CO_(2) under mild conditions is a challenge yet.Herein,we synthesized a novel zwitterionic polymer(PDDC)with a cellular structure via self-complexation of copolymer bearing both quaternary ammonium cation and carboxylate anion.PDDC was employed as a recyclable catalyst for N-methylation of atmospheric CO_(2) and various amines with hydrosilane as a reductant,affording more than 17 N-methylamines in good to excellent yields(up to 99%)under mild conditions.The behavior of PDDC in the reaction medium was disclosed by using a dynamic light scattering study,revealing that the decreased hydraulic radius of particle size contributes to exposing more active sites and increasing reaction activity.Utilizing a series of designed experiments and density functional theory calculations uncovered the crucial role of the prepared zwitterionic polymer during the reaction procedure of CO_(2) conversion.