| abstract |
The invention relates to an improved catalyst for synthesizing dimethyl carbonate by reacting methanol, carbon monoxide, and oxygen in the gas phase as well as the use thereof. Said catalyst is composed of a copper-containing zeolite which is produced by admixing one or several halide-free copper(II) compounds to a zeolite in a liquid medium, drying the zeolite modified by means of the admixing process, and tempering the same at 400 to 900°C in inert conditions while substantially maintaining the crystallinity of the zeolite. The admixing process is selected among a group of processes comprising drenching of the zeolite, ion exchange, precipitation of copper(II) hydroxide in the presence of the zeolite, and a combination of said processes. The inventive catalyst is provided with a great space-time yield while remaining constant throughout the operating time without exhibiting corrosive effects. |