Synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from methyl carbamate and methanol catalyzed by mixed oxides from hydrotalcite-like compounds

A series of mixed oxides calcined from hydrotalcite-like compounds with different cations were prepared and their catalytic activities were studied by the synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from methyl carbamate and methanol. Among them, ZnFe mixed oxide possessed the best catalytic ability. Furthermore, the zinc-based mixed oxides as well as the corresponding hydrotalcite-like compounds were characterized by using ICP, TGA, CO2-TPD and N2 adsorption/desorption techniques.