Synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from carbon dioxide: catalysis and mechanism

摘要

The turnover number of the catalytic production of dimethyl carbonate from CO2 and methanol is restricted by thermodynamics as well as catalyst decomposition. The catalytic efficiency is remarkably improved using an acetal as the starting material in methanol. The catalytic activity and selectivity also depend strongly on the CO2 pressure. A possible catalytic cycle involving transformation of CO2 to dimethyl carbonate is postulated based on mechanistic studies at a molecular level. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd All rights reserved. [References: 27]