A simple synthesis of ethylene carbonate from carbon dioxide and 2-chloroethanol using silica gel as a catalyst

A green, simple, technically and economically feasible synthesis of valuable ethylene carbonate from 2-chloroethanol and CO2 was developed using K2CO3 as a base, silica gel as a catalyst and under mild reaction conditions. The influence of reaction temperature, CO2 pressure, base and additives on conversion of 2-chloroethanol was studied.