Method for preparing a dialkyl carbonate, and its use in the preparation of diaryl carbonates and polycarbonates

摘要

A method of making a dialkyl carbonate comprises: reacting, in a reactor comprising tantalum, an alkanol, oxygen, and carbon monoxide, in the presence of a catalyst. The reaction occurs in a mixture comprising a liquid phase wherein the liquid phase comprises about 4 to about 12 weight percent water based on the total weight of the liquid phase.