Progress in the catalysts for synthesis of diphenyl oxalate by transesterification

Transesterification of alkyl oxalate with phenol to diphenyl oxalate( DPO),followed DPO to diphenyl carbonate( DPC) by the decarbonylation is a green route. The literature indicated that catalysts are the key for the synthesis route. The advance in transesterification catalysts for the synthesis of diphenyl oxalate in recent years was reviewed. In the authors' opinion,modified molecular sieves and MoO3/SiO2 catalysts with high stability should be studied predominantly in future.