One-Pot Synthesis of Dimethyl Carbonate Catalyzed by Two-Component Supported Ionic Liquid Catalysts

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC), a green chemical, plays a pivotal role in the advancement of green chemistry. Among the various approaches for its synthesis, utilizing carbon dioxide (CO₂) has garnered significant attention due to its dual benefits of CO₂ utilization and sustainable production. In this study, two heterogeneous supported ionic liquid catalysts, IL-NH₂-MIL-101(Cr) and DBUIM-MCM-41, were synthesized via a chemical grafting method. These catalysts demonstrated outstanding performance in the one-pot synthesis of DMC from CO₂, propylene oxide (PO), and methanol, achieving 100 % PO conversion and a 54 % DMC yield under solvent-free and optimal reaction conditions. The catalysts exhibited excellent stability, and recyclability. A notable synergistic interaction between the supports and ionic liquids was identified, contributing to the enhanced efficiency of the one-pot DMC synthesis.