Role of sulfonic acids in the Sn-catalyzed transesterification of dimethyl carbonate with phenol

Diphenyl carbonate, the key intermediate of the non-phosgene polycarbonate manufacturing process, can be produced by the transesterification of dimethyl carbonate with phenol in the presence of dibutyltin oxide. The use of an alkyl or aryl sulfonic acid in conjunction with dibutyltin oxide significantly enhances the activity of dibutyltin oxide. 19F and 119Sn NMR studies suggest the formation of tin complex containing strongly electrophilic sulfonate ligand from the reaction of dibutyltin oxide with alkyl or aryl sulfonic acid. Various factors affecting the transesterification of dimethyl carbonate with phenol were investigated.