(582o) Effect of Dehydrating Agent in Cu/Y-Zeolite Catalyst on Oxidative Carbonylation of Methanol for Dimethyl Carbonate Synthesis

Cu/Y-zeolite catalyst was prepared by impregnation of CuCl₂∙2H₂O and commercial Y-zeolite in its NH₄ form and characterized by XRF, BET, XRD and NH₃-TPD to check Cu, Cl content, surface area and acidity. The influence of various dehydrating agent was examined with aim of increasing conversion of methanol (X_MeOH) in oxidative carbonylation. The conversion of methanol was increased with the addition of metal oxide in the order CaO > MgO > ZnO, but with selectivity (S_DMC) in order of MgO > CaO > ZnO, respectively. After oxidative carbonylation of methanol, solid was analyzed by XRD, TG/DTG to confirm that the dehydrating reaction (MeO + H₂O → Me(OH)₂) was occurred by the metal oxide. The conversion of methanol was increased by 67.8 % and the DMC selectivity was increased by 36.1 % with applying dehydrating agent, CaO. Reaction tests were carried out using autoclave (batch reactor) for 18 hours at 403 K and 5.5 Mpa.