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Dimethyl Carbonate: Review of Synthesis Routes and Catalysts Used

Author

Listed:
  • Kirtika Kohli

    (Prairie Research Institute−Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
    Aromatic Extraction Area, Separation Process Division, CSIR–Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun 248005, India)

  • Brajendra K. Sharma

    (Prairie Research Institute−Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
    United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Regional Research Center, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA)

  • Chandrakant B. Panchal

    (E3Tec Service LLC, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192, USA)

Abstract

This review summarizes the performance of potential catalysts for the synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) using CO 2 as a feedstock by two major processes—the direct route of carbonylation of alcohols and the indirect route of alcoholysis of urea. The reaction mechanisms and corresponding catalysts that were previously investigated are discussed. The major challenges associated with the conversion of CO 2 to DMC are the low yields, low DMC selectivity, and thermodynamic limitations (alcohol carbonylation) of reversible reactions with low equilibrium constants. This occurs mainly due to the highly stable carbon dioxide molecules. The development of novel catalysts with high yields and high selectivity needs to be studied to overcome these technical challenges. In addition, to enhance the DMC yield, the use of dehydrating agents for water removal from the reaction mixture is recommended and discussed in detail in this article. This review critically examines the different catalysts used by investigators, along with their respective operating conditions and suitability in applications for the commercial synthesis of CO 2 -based DMC.

Suggested Citation

  • Kirtika Kohli & Brajendra K. Sharma & Chandrakant B. Panchal, 2022. "Dimethyl Carbonate: Review of Synthesis Routes and Catalysts Used," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-30, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:14:p:5133-:d:863092
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    Cited by:

    1. Guanfu Liu & Helena Hagelin-Weaver & Bruce Welt, 2023. "A Concise Review of Catalytic Synthesis of Methanol from Synthesis Gas," Waste, MDPI, vol. 1(1), pages 1-21, January.

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