We prepared bifunctional MgII porphyrin catalysts 1 for the solvent-free synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2. The activities of 1d, 1h, and 1i, which have Br–, Cl–, and I–counteranions, respectively, increased in the order 1i< 1h< 1d. Catalysts 1d and 1j–m,