In the present study, synthesis of 5-membered cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxides, such as glycidyl methacrylate(GMA) and diglycidyl 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylate(DCD), were investigated in view of the characteristics of phase transfer catalysts, reaction mechanisms and kinetics. Quaternary salts showed a good conversion of epoxide at 1atm of CO2 pressure. Among the salts tested, the one having a larger alkyl group and a more nucleophilic counter anion exhibited a better catalytic activity. Kinetic studies in a semi-batch reactor, through which a slow stream of CO2 is continuously passed, showed that the reaction rate was pseudo-first order with respect to the concentration of epoxide. In a batch autoclave reactor with high CO2 pressure, however, the reaction rate showed second order kinetics. The reaction was also carried out with an insoluble phase transfer catalyst, quaternary ammonium chloride(QCl) anchored to metal oxide, to facilitate the recovery of catalyst.