Glycerol carbonate synthesis <i>via</i> transesterification of enriched glycerol and dimethyl carbonate using a Li-incorporated MCM-41 framework
Jakkrapong Jitjamnong, Parinya Khongprom, Thanate Ratanawilai, Sukritthira Ratanawilai
Abstract
= 0.9502. The optimal GC yield (58.77%) with a final purity of 78% was attained at a 5.15 wt% catalyst loading relative to the initial amount of enriched glycerol, DMC: enriched glycerol molar ratio of 4.24 : 1, and a reaction temperature of 86 °C for 165 min. The 5%Li/MCM-41 heterogeneous catalyst could be reused for four cycles with a decreased GC yield from 58.77% to 45.72%. Thus, the Li/MCM-41 catalyst demonstrated a remarkable efficiency and potential as a heterogeneous catalyst for synthesizing GC. This method not only contributes to environmental sustainability by making use of a byproduct from biodiesel production but also aligns with the principles of a circular economy.