Oxycarbonylation of Methanol to Dimethyl Carbonate Using Molten Salts as Catalyst

Dimethyl carbonate can be prepared with high selectivity from methanol, carbon monoxide, and oxygen by reacting these substances in the presence of a catalyst consisting of a eutectic mixture of copper chloride and potassium chloride. Applying the pressure-swing technique by changing the system pressure cyclically, the dimethyl carbonate yield can markedly be improved.