Electroactivation of Transition Metal Redox Couples for the Carbonylation of Alcohols to Dialkylcarbonates

Electrochemical systems which promote the carbonylation of methanol to dimethylcarbonate, based on the anodic activation of transition metal redox couples, or the Br−/Br2 couple, are poorly active for the carbonylation of ethanol to diethylcarbonate at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Positive results have been obtained by combined addiction of PdBr2 and Bu4NBr to the system. In this way yields up to 50% in diethylcarbonate were obtained, with very good conductivities in long range electrolyses.