The direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CO and CH OH was achieved at room temperature with 74 % CH OH conversion in the presence of an imidazolium hydrogen carbonate ionic liquid ([C C Im][HCO ]). Experimental and theoretical results reveal that [C C Im][HCO ] can transform quickly into a CO adduct, which serves as an effective catalyst and dehydrant. Its dehydration ability is reversible. The energy barrier of the rate-determining step for the DMC synthesis is only 21.7 kcal mol . The ionic liquid can be reused easily without a significant loss of its catalytic and dehydrating ability.

A direct route for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from olefins and CO2 has been achieved by using imidazolium hydrogen carbonate ionic liquids as bifunctional catalysts in the absence of a solvent.

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