Synthesis of dialkyl carbonates from CO2 and alcohols via electrogenerated N-heterocyclic carbenes

Here we describe the utilization of NHC-CO2 which transfers CO2 to alcohols for the synthesis of dialkyl carbonates under mild conditions with high conversion and excellent selectivity. In addition NHC-CO2 formation was supported by electrochemical analysis. This study provides a new procedure for the synthesis of dialkyl carbonates of chemical and pharmaceutical interest, as well as expands the applications of NHCs in CO2 fixation. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.