Abstract: This invention relates to an improved one-pot synthetic process for the preparation of glycidol from the reaction of glycerol and dimethyl carbonate. More specifically, the invention relates to a one-pot synthetic process for the preparation of glycidol comprising the reaction of glycerol and dimethyl carbonate in the presence of an ionic liquid catalyst having the formula: [Cat+][X] wherein: [Cat] represents one or more cationic species, and [X] represents one or more anionic species; wherein the reaction is conducted at a temperature of from 100° C. to 160° C. and wherein the molar ratio of glycerol to dimethylcarbonate is from 1:4 to 1:10.