Facile stereoselective conversion of 1,2-diols into alkane-1,2-diyl carbonates

The stereoselective conversion of 1,2-diols into alkane-1,2-diyl carbonates has been carried out at room temperature without employing catalysts or toxic and/or polluting reactants, by addition of 1,2-diols and afterwards of an alkylating agent to acetonitrile solutions containing C2O62-, CO32- or HCO3- anions in the presence of tetraalkylammonium cations. These solutions can be easily prepared by simple electrochemical or chemical routes.