Dimethyl carbonate for environmentally benign reactions

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is a unique molecule having a versatile reactivity. The transesterification of DMC with phenol gives methyl phenyl carbonate, which is converted into diphenyl carbonate (DFC) by disproportionation. MoO3/SiO2 is an active catalyst for both reactions. DPC is an essential monomer in the non-phosgene route for polycarbonates. The methoxycarbonylation of aniline gives methyl N-phenyl carbamate in the presence of a lead compound. This reaction offers a non-phosgene route to isocyanates. As a methylating agent, DMC can be a substitute for methyl halides and dimethyl sulfate, toxic and corrosive chemicals. Phenylacenitrile, aniline and phenol are selectively methylated with DMC over zeolites in the vapor-phase. The reaction of DMC with silica offers a simple and clean method for synthesizing Si(OCH3)(4).