Dimethyl carbonate synthesis catalyzed by DABCO-derived basic ionic liquids via transesterification of ethylene carbonate with methanol

Easily prepared DABCO-derived (1,4-diazobicyclo[2.2.2]octane) basic ionic liquids were developed for an efficient synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) via the transesterification of ethylene carbonate (EC) with methanol. 1-Butyl-4-azo-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane hydroxide ([C4DABCO]OH) exhibited high catalytic activity and 81% DMC yield together with 90% EC conversion was obtained under mild reaction conditions. Notably, the catalyst could be recycled for four times without loss of catalytic activity. Moreover, a possible mechanism was also discussed.