One-Pot Tandem Catalytic Epoxidation-CO2 Insertion of Monounsaturated Methyl Oleate to the Corresponding Cyclic Organic Carbonate

Conversion of unsaturated fatty acids, FAMEs or triglycerides into the corresponding cyclic organic carbonates involves two reaction steps-double-bond epoxidation and CO2 insertion into the epoxide-that are generally conducted separately. We describe an assisted-tandem catalytic protocol able to carry out carbonation of unsaturated methyl oleate in one-pot without isolating the epoxide intermediate. Methyl oleate carbonate was obtained in 99% yield and high retention of cis-configuration starting from methyl oleate using hydrogen peroxide and CO2 as green reagents, in a biphasic system and in the presence of an ammonium tungstate ionic liquid catalyst with KBr as co-catalyst.

Automated summary

The study presents a new catalytic protocol capable of converting unsaturated methyl oleate into carbonate in a single step, achieving high yield and retention of cis-configuration.