1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU): A highly efficient catalyst in glycerol carbonate synthesis

Abstract

Transesterification of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) with glycerol (GLY) was investigated using various amines as catalysts. Amidines like 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) and 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene (DBN) were found to be the best catalysts for this reaction. Best results: 98% conversion of GLY with 96% selectivity to GC (TON: 9408), were obtained with DBU as a catalyst. Effect of various reaction conditions on activity and selectivity were investigated using DBU as catalyst. The mechanism of the reaction was investigated with the help of 1H, 13C and 15N NMR analysis and DFT calculations. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.