Selective non-corrosive preparation of carbonic di:ester(s) by oxidative carbonylation

摘要

Preparation of carbonic acid diesters by reaction of an alcohol with CO and O2 takes place in a zone containing (a) Cu or a Cu compound; (b) an N-heterocyclic compound; and (c) a glycol ether of formula R<1>O(CHR<2>CH2O)nR<3> (I). R<1> = 1-6C alkyl; R<2> = H, Me or Et; R<3> = H or 1-6C alkyl; and n = 1-12. Also claimed is a catalyst comprising a solution containing (a), (b) and (c).