Synthesis of dimethyl carbonate via transesterification of ethylene carbonate with methanol using poly-4-vinyl pyridine as a novel base catalyst

The synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) via transesterification of ethylene carbonate with methanol using poly-4-vinyl pyridine (PVP) as a novel, homogeneous, recyclable base catalyst with high yield has been reported. The comparative study for the basicity of PVP was also carried out with other basic polymer such as polyvinylpyrrolidone for DMC synthesis. The catalyst was reused for three consecutive recycles without significant loss of activity/selectivity performance. The effect of different reaction parameters like catalyst loading, reaction time, temperature, CO2 pressure etc. were investigated in detail for the title reaction. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.