It can be made by combining
phosgene and ethanol, i.e. a
phosgenation reaction: : Although usually impractical, DEC can also be made by ethanolysis of urea. This reaction requires a heterogeneous catalysis that can act both as a Lewis acid and a base, such as various metal oxides. The reaction proceeds via the formation of the intermediary
ethyl carbamate. : It can also be synthesized directly from carbon dioxide and ethanol using various methods, and via oxidative
carbonylation with
carbon monoxide. Another method is
transesterification from
dimethyl carbonate. Yet another method is from the reaction of
ethyl nitrite and carbon monoxide, where the ethyl nitrite can be made from
nitric oxide and ethanol. This method requires a catalyst such as
palladium. ==Uses==