Synthesis of glycerol carbonate by direct carbonatation of glycerol in supercritical CO2 in the presence of zeolites and ion exchange resins

Glycerol carbonate is a key bifunctional compound employed as solvent, addi tive, monomer, and chemical intermediate. We have synthesized it on a pilot scale in the laboratory in cyclic or alicyclic organic carbonate medium. I n this study, we examined the use of supercritical CO2 as a reaction medium and as a source of carbonate for carbonatation of glycerol. Glycerol carbo nate could be obtained by direct reaction of carbon dioxide with an organic carbonate in the presence of heterogeneous catalysts. Carbonatation of gly cerol into glycerol carbonate went to equilibrium in supercritical CO2 medi um.