Department of Chemical Engineering
West Virginia University
P.O. Box 6102
Morgantown, WV 26506-6102
Phone: 304-293-2111 ext.2410
Fax: 304-293-4139
email: shaeiwit@cemr.wvu.edu
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Currently, dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is produced from phosgene and methanol, with HCl produced as a side product. Phosgene is an extremely toxic and dangerous chemical. An environmentally-friendly alternative reaction path would eliminate the use of p hosgene and minimize side-product formation. In the presence of a copper chloride catalyst with a 5% KCl additive, DMC can be produced from methanol, carbon monoxide, and oxygen. DMC can be used as a reactant in place of phosgene in the manufacture of p olyurethanes. Additionally, its high oxygen content makes it a candidate to replace MTBE as an oxygenated fuel additive.
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