Efficient synthesis of dimethyl carbonate via transesterification of ethylene carbonate with methanol over binary zinc-yttrium oxides

The binary zinc–yttrium oxides were prepared by co-precipitation method, characterized and tested in the synthesis of DMC via transesterification of ethylene carbonate with methanol. The catalytic results showed that the catalyst with Zn/Y molar ratio of 3 and calcined at 400 °C exhibited superior catalytic activity, corresponding to TOF of 236 mmol/gcat h. Appropriate content of yttrium in the catalyst enhanced the catalytic activity remarkably. Moreover, the abundance of medium basic sites (7.2 < H_ < 9.8, as determined by Hammett indicator method) was considered to be responsible for the superior catalytic activity.

Graphical abstractBinary zinc–yttrium oxides were prepared by co-precipitation method and found to catalyze the DMC synthesis from ethylene carbonate and methanol with high efficiency.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Binary zinc-yttrium oxides were prepared by co-precipitation. ► Zn3Y-400 exhibited higher catalytic activity in DMC synthesis from EC and methanol. ► Optimal content of yttrium in the catalyst enhanced the catalytic activity greatly. ► The catalytic activity essentially correlated with the medium basicity.