Catalytic etherification of hydroxyl compounds to methyl ethers with 1,2-dimethoxyethane

Abstract

1,2-Dimethoxyethane is explored for the first time as etherification agent for the acid-catalyzed synthesis of methyl ethers from biomass-derived hydroxyl compounds. H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ catalyst can provide the formation of isosorbide methyl ethers with 80% GC yield from isosorbide. The acid catalyst type and acid amount are of critical importance in improving etherification reactivities of hydroxyl groups with 1,2-dimethoxyethane.