Synthesis of Glycerol Carbonate from Ethylene Carbonate Using Zinc Stearate as a Catalyst: Operating Conditions and Kinetic Modeling.

With the advent of biodiesel as a substitute/additive for diesel, the production of glycerol has experienced an increase, as it is an unavoidable byproduct of the biodiesel process; therefore, novel products and processes based on this triol are being very actively researched. Glycerol carbonate emerges as an advanced humectant from glycerol and a monomer for diverse polycarbonates. Its production in high yields and amounts can be achieved through the solventless transcarbonation of glycerol with other organic carbonates driven by alkaline catalysts, standing out amongst the cyclic carbonates due to its reactivity.