Transesterification of dimethyl carbonate with phenol over a bimetallic molybdenum and copper catalyst

Mo-Cu bimetallic oxides were found to be efficient heterogeneous catalysts for the transesterification of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) with phenol. When the reaction was carried out between 150 and 180°C, with a molar of Mo/Cu of 1:1, molar ratio of phenol/DMC of 1:1, 4.8 wt.% of the catalyst, 9 h, the conversion of phenol was 49.9%, and the total yield of MPC and DPC was 45.4%. Catalyst reuse showed a gradual decline in the catalytic activity. The decrease in catalytic activity might be due to leaching out of Mo and Cu, and/or carbon deposition.