Research progress of catalysts for synthesis of dimethyl carbonate via direct oxidative carbonylation of methanol

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is widely used as green raw material for chemical industry. And direct oxidative carbonylation of methanol for DMC synthesis is one of the most important methods due to its advantages of low cost and mild reaction conditions. Herein, the research progress of catalysts, including halogen-containing and halogen-free copper catalysts, for directive oxidative carbonylation of methanol to DMC was reviewed, with emphasis on the effects of catalyst supports, such as activated carbon, graphene and molecular sieve, on halogen-free catalyst. It was found that the mesoporous structure, defect sites and surface groups in the support could enhance the interaction between copper and the support, and inhibit the agglomeration and loss of copper as well, thus improving its catalytic performance. Finally, the existing problems and future development direction of catalysts for synthesis of DMC were prospected. © 2022, Editorial Office of FINE CHEMICALS. All right reserved.