Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #215506

Title: Carbonates from oleochemicals: Biobased materials to value added green chemicals

Author
item Doll, Kenneth - Ken
item Kenar, James - Jim
item Erhan, Sevim

Submitted to: Chemistry Today/Chimica Oggi
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/31/2007
Publication Date: 1/14/2008
Citation: Doll, K.M., Kenar, J.A., Erhan, S.Z. 2008. Carbonates from oleochemicals: Biobased materials to value added green chemicals. Chemistry Today/Chimica Oggi. 25(6):7-10.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Presented is a review with 55 references describing the preparation of oleochemical-based carbonates (esters of carbonic acid H2CO2) utilizing vegetable oil, or vegetable oil derivatives as starting materials. Synthetic routes to prepare both linear and cyclic carbonates are presented, as well as their basic physical properties and potential applications. Highlighted are new routes to the synthesis of carbonated methyl oleate utilizing either tetramethylammonium hydrogen carbonate, or supercritical carbon dioxide. Oleochemical carbonates represent value-added materials derived from renewable resources that, in part, can help the chemical industry to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.