Method of making trimethylene carbonate

摘要

A method of synthesizing trimethylene carbonate is disclosed involving(a) reacting 1,3-propanediol and a compound chosen from phosgene and bis-chloroformates to form a polycarbonate intermediate having the structure:wherein n is at least 2; R1 is an end group chosen from H, R3-Cl, R3-OH and -C(O)Cl, where R3 is C1-C6 linear or branched alkyl and R2 is an end group chosen from -OCH2CH2CH2Cl, -OCH2CH2CH2OH and Cl; and(b) providing a combination of temperature and pressure corresponding to vapor phase conditions for trimethylene carbonate.