Green synthesis of glycerol carbonate via transesterification of glycerol using mechanochemically prepared sodium aluminate catalysts

• Significant effect of the method catalyst preparation on stability. Mechanochemically prepared catalysts showed superior 20 wt% NaAlO2/Al2O3 is most stable with 96% glycerol carbonate yield. Al2O3 provided highest stability compared to other metal oxide supports. Glycerol, an important by-product from biodiesel production, has significant potential as platform chemical several different pathways value addition being investigated. Herein, we report synthesis via transesterification dimethyl using supported sodium aluminate catalysts. The effects method, and supports were more than corresponding a wet impregnation technique. Alumina support was found provide level stability, amongst tested. mechanochemically loading alumina, be effective achieving 96 % yield after 60 min. thoroughly characterized investigate structure, catalytic activity alumina facile recovery good reusability over four times only marginal decrease in activity.