Synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from methanol, propylene oxide and carbon dioxide over KF/Al2O3

Abstract

In this paper, a series of basic catalysts were prepared by impregnation of KF onto γ-Al₂O₃. The one-pot synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from methanol, propylene oxide (PO) and carbon dioxide has been investigated using the KF/Al₂O₃ as catalysts. It was found that the main factors influencing the yield of DMC and the conversion of PO are the base amount of the catalysts. Higher amount of the catalyst is of beneficial for the improvement of reaction activity. Among the catalysts studied, 17.5%KF/γ-Al₂O₃ showed a competitive and superior reaction activity.