Synthesis of dimethyl carbonate by vapor phase oxidative carbonylation of methanol over Cu-based catalysts

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) synthesis reaction by oxidative carbonylation of methanol has been studied using vapor phase flow reaction system in the presence of Cu-based catalysts. A series of Cu-based catalysts were prepared by the conventional impregnation method using activated carbon (AC) as support. The effect of various promoters and reaction conditions on the catalytic reactivities were intensively evaluated in terms of methanol conversion and DMC selectivity. The morphological analysis by X-ray diffraction and SEM was also conducted in order to characterize the emloyed catalysts. Regardless of catalyst compositions, the optimal reaction temperature for oxidative carbonylation of methanol was found to be around 120–130°C. The reaction rate was too slow below 100°C, while too much by-products was produced above 150°C. Among the various catalysts employed, CuCl₂/NaOH/AC catalyst with the molar ratio of OH/Cu=0.5–1.0, has shown the best catalytic performance, which appears to have a strong relationship with the formation of intermediate species, Cu₂(OH)₃Cl.