The effects of catalyst composition on the catalytic production of dimethyl carbonate

The synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) by oxidative carbonylation of MeO H has been studied in the presence of various catalyst systems. The effect of catalyst composition on the catalytic activity and product composition i s investigated. A three-component catalyst system composed of PdCl2(PPh3)(2 ), Cu(OMe)(2) and Me4NCl shows synergy effects in terms of the MeOH convers ion (26%) and DMC selectivity (95%). The reaction performed in the presence of a single-component catalyst PdCl2(PPh3)(2) produces dimethoxy methane ( DMM) as a major product with selectivity over 90%, while the addition of Me 4NCl or Cu(OMe)(2) to PdCl2(PPh3)(2) results in the increase of DMC selecti vity from 2% to 60%. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.