Organocatalytic and Halide-Free Synthesis of Glycerol Carbonate under Continuous Flow

Glycerol carbonate is a useful compound of value for a variety of cosmetic, material, and synthetic applications. Its synthesis relies either on the carbonation of glycerol or the conversion of glycidol by reacting it with carbon dioxide under appropriate catalytic conditions. Here, we report the first continuous flow preparation of glycerol carbonate using an immobilized organocatalyst (TBD@Merrifield) that mediates the coupling of glycidol and CO2 under comparative mild reaction and halide-free conditions. Under optimized conditions, glycerol carbonate could be produced throughout a period of 48 h (17.3 g (147 mmol); TON, 99; productivity, 2.04 mmol h(-1) mmol(ca)(t-)1) without any noticeable loss of catalytic performance in this time frame.

Automated summary

Glycerol carbonate, a valuable compound with various applications, can be efficiently synthesized in a continuous flow process using an immobilized organocatalyst. This method allows for high productivity and efficiency without significant loss of catalytic performance over time.