Sodium aluminate is presented as a highly active heterogeneous catalyst able to convert a range of alcohols into the corresponding mixed carbonate esters, in high yield and under green conditions. The reaction is carried out using dimethyl carbonate both as a reactant and solvent, at 90°C. Allylic, aliphatic and aromatic alcohols are converted in good yields. The solid catalyst is shown to be truly heterogeneous, resistant to leaching, and recyclable.
Ramesh, S., Indukuri, K., Riant, O., & Debecker, D. (2018). Synthesis of Carbonate Esters by Carboxymethylation Using NaAlO2 as a Highly Active Heterogeneous Catalyst. Organic Process Research and Development, 22(12), 1846-1851. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.oprd.8b00333 (Original work published 2018)