Synthesis of DMC through oxidative carbonylation of methanol

Brief introduction

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is a very useful, low-toxicity organic chemical raw material. Its molecular composition is –CO, -CH₃, -OCH_3, and -COOCH₃ and it can handle carbonylation, methylation, methoxylation, and carboxylation reactions. In chemical synthesis, it is a perfect substitute for phosgene, dimethyl sulfate, and methyl halide as a carbonylating agent and methylating agent. DMC results in many synthesized chemical products such as polycarbonate, isocyanate, carbamate, malonate, and urethane. It can be used as a gasoline additive with high oxygen content, better than MTBE.

Technical features and capacity

This simple process uses CH₃OH, CO and O₂ as raw materials and directly synthesizes DMC, with low toxicity, easy acquisition of raw materials, low cost, and high product quality.

Capacity: 10~100kt/a

Technical indicators (at 10kt/a, for example)  

Waste treatment

The wastewater mainly contains a trace amount of methanol and, after it is biochemically treated and meets standards, it is discharged. The CO₂ content of waste gas exceeds 99 percent (v/v), with the remainder being N₂ and O₂. The waste gas can either be emitted or recycled. There is no waste residue.