A safe and mild synthesis of organic carbonates from alkyl halides and tetrabutylammonium alkyl carbonates.

A safe and mild procedure for the synthesis of mixed organic carbonates is described. Reaction of commercially available tetrabutylammonium methoxide and ethoxide with carbon dioxide yields the corresponding methyl and ethyl tetrabutylammonium carbonates (TBAMC and TBAEC). The reactions of these new compounds with several different alkyl halides give methyl and ethyl carbonates in high yields. The use of classic toxic and harmful chemicals such as phosgene and carbon monoxide is avoided.