Progress in synthesis of dimethyl carbonate via transesterification

The recent progress in the synthesis of dimethyl carbonate(DMC) via transesterification is reviewed in terms of catalysts and reaction conditions.The technologies of synthesizing dimethyl carbonate by the dimethyl sulfate method,cyclic carbonate method and one-pot method from methanol,epoxides,and CO2 are introduced.The catalysts used are evaluated and the advantages and the shortcomings of the technologies are compared.Synthesis of dimethyl carbonate by transesterification has the prospect of commercialization.