NaZSM-5-catalyzed dimethyl carbonate synthesis via the transesterification of ethylene carbonate with methanol

NaZSM-5 zeolite was found to be an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC), which can serve as a building block, an additive to fuel oil, and an electrolyte in batteries, via the transesterification of ethylene carbonate (EC) with methanol. Notably, 77% DMC yield and 97% selectivity were achieved under mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, the effects of various reaction parameters such as catalyst loading, reaction time, and methanol/EC molar ratio on the catalytic performance were investigated in detail. This protocol was found to be applicable to a variety of alcohols, producing the corresponding dialkyl carbonates with moderate yields and selectivities. Moreover, the catalyst can be recovered by simple filtration with retention of catalytic activity; a stable crystal configuration and a slight alteration of its superficial structure were observed by X-ray diffraction and BET measurements.