Study on hydrolysis of propylene carbonate catalyzed by basic ion exchange resin

Hydrolysis of propylene carbonate to 1,2-propylene glycol was performed by using a basic ion exchange resin.The effects of temperature,reaction time,the molar ratio of water to propylene carbonate,choice of catalyst,and the amount of catalyst were investigated.It was found that more than 99% conversion and selectivity were obtained in the presence of basic ion exchange resin under the optimum conditions.Additionally,the catalyst could be reused at least up to three times with slight loss of catalytic activity.