Propylene carbonate synthesis from propylene glycol, carbon dioxide and benzonitrile by alkali carbonate catalysts

The synthesis of propylene carbonate from propylene glycol and carbon dioxide in the presence of various catalysts has been reported. Benzonitrile has been used as both solvent and dehydrating agent. Under optimal conditions, the best results were obtained in the presence of alkali carbonate catalysts. The propylene carbonate yield could reach up to 20% with a propylene-1,2-glycol conversion of 44%.

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► Synthesis of PC from PG and scCO2 in the presence of various catalysts was studied.
► PC yield could reach up 20% with PG conversion of 44%.
► First example reported on direct carbonatation of glycol compounds using benzonitrile.
► Benzonitrile was preferred to acetonitrile to perform reaction for safety reasons.