Progress in the catalytic synthesis of diphenyl carbonate via non-phosgene routes

This paper is aimed to review the recent progress in catalytic synthesis of diphenyl carbonate(DPC) by four non-phosgene routes,i.e. transesterification,oxidative carbonylation of phenol,transesterification-decarbonylation of dimethyl oxalate and phenolysis of urea. The review mainly focuses on the catalyst,the reaction condition,conversion of the reactant and the yield of product for each non-phosgene route,the advantages and disadvantages of which are described. Two routes,transesterification and phenolysis of urea,are preferred based on the comparison of raw materials,catalyst preparation,technology,and the energy consumption for four routes,so,these two routes may be dominant in future.