Alkylated Zn(salpyr) complexes (salpyr = N,N ́-bis[salicylidene]-3,4-pyridinediamine) have been prepared and used as catalyst precursors for the formation of cyclic carbonates from a range of (functional) epoxides and CO2. Reaction conditions were optimized to achieve good isolated yields of the targeted products. The molecular structure for the most active bifunctional Zn(salpyr) derivative has also been resolved using X-ray diffraction studies.