Catalytic developments in the direct dimethyl carbonate synthesis from carbon dioxide and methanol

The present review compiles the recently published literature for the single step dimethyl carbonate (DMC) synthesis from carbon dioxide (CO2) and methanol. The various routes of DMC synthesis are also discussed in short with their advantages and disadvantages in order to distinguish the merits of direct DMC synthesis route. Next, the major applications of DMC such as in electrochemistry, as fuels additive, as solvent and building block in organic synthesis are described. The major problems in the direct DMC synthesis route such as low yield, reaction rate, thermodynamic limitations and hydrolysis of produced DMC are also pointed out. Furthermore, the significance of fabricating an effective dehydrating agent for the removal of water from the reaction is narrated for the enhancement of DMC yield. The type of catalyst materials based on their nature i.e. metal carbonates, tin-based catalysts, metal oxides, organic catalysts and polymer based materials, etc. used for title reaction are separately discussed in details. The varieties of dehydrating agents and their role in DMC production is explained with the help of most recent reported literature.