Dimethyl-, Diethyl-, and Propylene Carbonates: An Emerging Class of Green Solvents for Organic Synthesis

The growing demand for green solvents to replace petroleum-derived counterparts in organic synthesis has garnered significant attention, driven by the need for more sustainable production processes. In this context, organic carbonates (OCs) have emerged as prominent alternatives to toxic solvents that pose risks to human health and the environment. This review presents recent advances in the application of major dialkyl carbonates, namely dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), and propylene carbonate (PC), as solvents in organic synthesis. By discussing more than seventy papers from the past 6 years, we demonstrate the rising importance of this solvent class, which has transitioned from exotic adjuvants to essential components of modern synthetic methodologies. Through a compilation and analysis of the recent literature, this review aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for synthetic chemists, underscoring the potential of OCs to pave the way for safer and more sustainable synthesis.