Carbonation of Epoxidized Methyl Soyates in Tetrabutylammonium Bromide-Based Deep Eutectic Solvents

Abstract

Carbonated methyl soyates have been successfully prepared by cycloaddition of carbon dioxide (CO₂) to epoxidized methyl soyates in tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB)-based deep eutectic solvents (DES). Experimental parameters, i.e., reaction temperature, reaction time, CO₂ pressure and TBAB concentration were evaluated. The different reaction conditions have a significant influence on the yields of carbonated methyl soyates. The use of TBAB-based DES (tetrabutylammonium bromide/triethylene glycol) significantly shortened the reaction time of the cycloaddition of CO₂ to epoxidized methyl soyates. FT-IR and NMR analysis indicated that 95% of the yield of the five-membered cyclic carbonated methyl soyates were obtained at 120°C with 1.0 MPa pressure of CO₂.