The double component catalyst for the direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from carbon dioxide, propylene oxide and methanol

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) can be directly synthesized from carbon dioxide, methanol and propylene oxide in the presence of double component catalyst consisted of metal halide and inorganic alkali. The active components of catalyst are loaded on the surface of inorganic oxide by wet-impregnation. The results of experiment indicate that metal ion of halide attacks C-O bond of propylene oxide to form M-O bond. The insertion of carbon dioxide into this M-O bond is the key step of its activation. The alkality of catalyst effectively affects the yield of dimethyl carbonate. The catalytic activity can be enhanced by the introduction of strong base site which is formed in the calcination procedure of catalyst under air atmosphere.