organocarbonates

Organocarbonates are a class of organic compounds that contain the carbonate functional group, CO3, bonded to at least one organic substituent. This means they are esters of carbonic acid, H2CO3, where one or more of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by organic groups. The general formula for an organocarbonate can be represented as R1OC(O)OR2, where R1 and R2 are organic groups, which can be the same or different. When both R1 and R2 are organic groups, the compound is formally called a dialkyl carbonate or diaryl carbonate, depending on whether the organic groups are alkyl or aryl. If only one R group is organic and the other is hydrogen, it is considered a carbonic acid ester or a half-ester.

Organocarbonates are typically colorless liquids or solids with relatively high boiling points. They are often soluble in organic solvents but have limited solubility in water. The chemical reactivity of organocarbonates is influenced by the nature of the R groups. They can undergo various reactions, including transesterification, hydrolysis, and reactions with nucleophiles. Due to their ability to act as alkylating agents and their relatively low toxicity compared to other alkylating agents, organocarbonates have found applications in organic synthesis. For example, dimethyl carbonate and diethyl carbonate are commonly used as methylating and ethylating agents, respectively, in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and polymers. They are also explored as electrolyte components in batteries and as solvents in various industrial processes.