1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU): A highly efficient catalyst in glycerol carbonate synthesis

Abstract Transesterification of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) with glycerol (GLY) was investigated using various amines as catalysts. Amidines like 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) and 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene (DBN) were found to be the best catalysts for this reaction. Best results: 98% conversion of GLY with 96% selectivity to GC (TON: 9408), were obtained with DBU as a catalyst. Effect of various reaction conditions on activity and selectivity were investigated using DBU as catalyst. The mechanism of the reaction was investigated with the help of 1 H, 13 C and 15 N NMR analysis and DFT calculations.