Dimethyl carbonate: review of synthesis routes and catalysts used

Authors: KOHLI, KIRTIKA - Indian Institute Of Petroleum; SHARMA, BRAJENDRA - Bk; PANCHAL, C - E3tec Service Llc

Submitted to: Energies
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/4/2022
Publication Date: 7/14/2022
Citation: Kohli, K., Sharma, B.K., Panchal, C.B. 2022. Dimethyl carbonate: review of synthesis routes and catalysts used. Energies. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15145133.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/en15145133

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: This review critically scrutinizes the performance of potential catalysts for the synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) using CO2 as feedstock by two major processes – direct route of carbonylation of alcohols and indirect route of alcoholysis of urea. The reaction mechanisms and corresponding catalysts that were previously investigated are discussed. The major challenges associated with conversion of CO2 to DMC are the low yields, low DMC selectivity, and thermodynamic limitations (alcohol carbonylation) of reversible reaction with low equilibrium constants. The development of novel catalysts with high yields and high selectivity needs to be focused to overcome these technical challenges. This review critically examines the different catalysts used by investigators, along with their respective operating conditions and suitability in application for commercial process for synthesis of CO2-based DMC.