Methyl formate as a carbonylating agent for the catalytic conversion of phenol to methyl phenyl carbonate

Abstract

Methyl formate was used as a green and efficient carbonylating agent in the synthesis of methyl phenyl carbonate from phenol. Methyl formate showed better performance compared to toxic CO gas and the ability to produce other useful carbonylated products, e.g., dimethyl carbonate and dimethyl oxalate.