An improved one-pot synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from propylene oxide, CO2 and methanol

Abstract

The direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and propylene glycol from propylene oxide, CO2 and methanol has been studied with potassium carbonate as catalyst. This is the first time that K2CO3 which is readily available has been used as a catalyst. It is quite simple and cheap to use. This route may be an effective way of producing DMC on the large-scale. DMC is used in polycarbonate synthesis, polyurethane synthesis, carbonylating reagents, alkylating reagents, polar solvents, octane boosters in gasoline, carbon-particle reducing agents for diesel engines It is a safe and environmentally benign alternative for phosgene in some reactions.