One-step DMC synthesis from CO2 under catalysis of ionic liquids prepared with 1,2-propylene glycol

Three quaternary ammonium ionic liquids with strong nucleophilicity and distinctive structures were synthesized with high yield and purity based on the 1,2-propylene glycol anion (CH 3 CH 2 OHCH 2 O - ) derived from transesterification products. Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) was in turn produced via a one-step reaction among propylene oxide (PO), CO 2 , and methanol (MeOH) by using the synthesized ionic liquids. The involved two-stage catalytic reaction of PO-CO 2 cycloaddition and PC-MeOH transesterification was implemented without catalyst separation. Under mild conditions, the PO conversion reached 99.0%, with a PC yield of 99.0%, and a TON value of 119.5. Following the cycloaddition, MeOH was immediately introduced to achieve a PC conversion of 71.2%, a selectivity to DMC above 99%, and a TON value of 57.4 for the transesterification reaction. The influences of temperature as well as time for cycloaddition and transesterification were investigated. Cycloaddition of CO 2 with various epoxides was also examined and all showed good performance. By taking advantage of the decomposability of as-prepared ionic liquids and the recyclability of decomposition products, a new catalyst circulation process was designed to complete the full cycle without introduction of any impurities into the product system.