Organotin-oxomolybdate coordination polymer as catalyst for synthesis of unsymmetrical organic carbonates

Abstract

Efficient and greener synthesis of unsymmetrical organic carbonates is of great importance. In this work, two organotin-oxometalates, Bu₂SnMoO₄ and (Bu₃Sn)₂MoO₄, were prepared and their catalytic performance for the transesterification of diethyl carbonate (DEC) with alcohols to synthesize unsymmetrical organic carbonates was studied. It was found that (Bu₃Sn)₂MoO₄ was very active and selective for the transesterification of DEC and various alcohols, including alkyl, cyclic, and aryl alcohols due to the synergetic effect between the groups of [MoO₄]²⁻ and [Bu₃Sn]⁺ in the catalyst. The yields of the corresponding carbonates could reach 98% at the suitable conditions. The catalyst was reused five times and the activity and selectivity were not changed. We believe that the highly efficient, versatile, greener, inexpensive, selective and stable catalyst has great potential applications in the synthesis of various unsymmetrical organic carbonates from DEC and alcohols.