1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU): A highly efficient catalyst in glycerol carbonate synthesis

• Transesterification of DMC with glycerol was investigated using amines as catalysts.
• Amidines like DBU and DBN were found to be the best catalysts for the reaction.
• 98% conv. with 96% sel. to GC (TON: 9408), were obtained with DBU as a catalyst.
• Mechanism was investigated with the help of NMR analysis and DFT calculations.

Transesterification of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) with glycerol (GLY) was investigated using various amines as catalysts. Amidines like 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) and 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene (DBN) were found to be the best catalysts for this reaction. Best results: 98% conversion of GLY with 96% selectivity to GC (TON: 9408), were obtained with DBU as a catalyst. Effect of various reaction conditions on activity and selectivity were investigated using DBU as catalyst. The mechanism of the reaction was investigated with the help of 1H, 13C and 15N NMR analysis and DFT calculations.

Transesterification of DMC with GLY was investigated using various amines as catalysts. Amidines like DBU and DBN were found to be the best catalysts for this reaction. The order of activity observed was correlated with their gas phase basicity.1H, 13C and 15N NMR analysis clearly shows strong interaction between GLY and DBU. The mechanism of the reaction was investigated with the help of DFT calculations.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (242 K)Download as PowerPoint slide