Abstract: The present invention provides methods of forming dialkyl carbonate wherein catalyst buildup in the reaction equipment, the separation equipment, and transfer lines there between is reduced and even eliminated. In one embodiment, the method includes introducing alkanol, carbon monoxide, oxygen, and a catalyst to a reactor having a gaseous head space and a liquid body space. The reactor is operated under conditions to form dialkyl carbonate and water. A product stream containing dialkyl carbonate, water, and residual reactants is removed from the head space of the reactor and introduced to a cyclone with a flushing stream. A liquid bottom stream is captured from the cyclone and introduced to the reactor. The gaseous top stream contains product dialkyl carbonate.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of forming dialkyl carbonate wherein catalyst buildup in the reaction equipment, the separation equipment, and transfer lines there between is reduced and even eliminated. In one embodiment, the method includes introducing alkanol, carbon monoxide, oxygen, and a catalyst to a reactor having a gaseous head space and a liquid body space. The reactor is operated under conditions to form dialkyl carbonate and water. A product stream containing dialkyl carbonate, water, and residual reactants is removed from the head space of the reactor and introduced to a cyclone with a flushing stream. A liquid bottom stream is captured from the cyclone and introduced to the reactor. The gaseous top stream contains product dialkyl carbonate.