Glycerol carbonate from bioglycerol

Glycerol carbonate is a multifunctional compound usable as a solvent, chemical intermediate, additive etc. Synthesis of glycerol carbonate from bioglycerol and urea in the presence of suitable catalyst is an attractive method of production. Catalysts with Lewis acidic sites as compounds of zinc and zeolites produce satisfying results with significant yields. For the decomposition of intermediate product proper combination of temperature (110-150 °C) and pressure (below 10 kPa) is very important.