Facile synthesis of glycerol carbonate via glycerolysis of urea catalysed by silicotungstates impregnated into MCM-41

Abstract

The present contribution includes the solvent free environmentally benign route towards synthesis of glycerol carbonate via glycerolysis of urea. The parent as well as mono lacunary silicotungstates impregnated into MCM-41 were used as efficient catalysts. The effect of different reaction parameters on the conversion of glycerol was investigated in order to optimize the reaction parameters for maximum conversion. The activities of both the catalysts have been correlated with the structural features and acidity of the catalysts and the possible mechanism has also been proposed. The catalysts were also recycled up to four times without significant loss in the activity.