Facile synthesis of InIII-salen complexes from indium metal and their use as catalysts for the chemical fixation of carbon dioxide in mild conditions

•Synthesis of indium(III) salen complexes starting from metallic indium.•No need to use hygroscopic, moisture-sensitive and expensive indium(III) halides.•Possibility of expanding the methodology to other metals.•Active catalysts for the production of cyclic carbonates under mild conditions.•Several epoxides converted to the respective cyclic carbonates.