Innovative Synthesis and Catalytic Proficiency of Mg/Al/La Mixed Oxide Catalysts in Glycerol Transesterification with Dimethyl Carbonates

A series of Mg/Al/La mixed oxide catalysts were synthesized using an alkali-free coprecipitation method and calcined at various temperatures. The catalysts were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and temperature-programmed desorption of CO2. These catalysts were evaluated for transesterification of glycerol with dimethyl carbonates to yield glycerol carbonates. The catalyst with an Mg : Al : La weight ratio of 3 : 1 : 1 demonstrated optimum performance in the formation of glycerol carbonates and exhibited excellent activity even at 75°C. However, its activity decreased during recycling. The effects of various parameters, such as reaction temperature, catalyst concentration, and the molar ratio of glycerol to dimethyl carbonates, were studied to optimize the reaction conditions.