Patent ID: 6057062
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: C07C,H01M,Y02E,Y02P

Abstract:
A method for synthesizing a nonaqueous organic electrolyte comprising the steps of:a) providing a first symmetric carbonate having the general formula R.sup.1 OCOOR.sup.1 ;b) providing a second symmetric carbonate having the general formula R.sup.2 OCOOR.sup.2, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are selected from the group consisting of saturated alkyl groups, unsaturated alkyl groups and aryl groups;c) mixing the first and second symmetric carbonates together in the presence of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of a nucleophilic reagent, an electron donating reductant, and mixtures thereof, wherein the electron donating reductant is selected from the group consisting of a metal hydride, an alkyl alkali metal, an aryl alkali metal, an alkali metal, an alkalated carbon and samarium(II) salt, and mixtures thereof, and wherein the mixture of the first and second symmetric carbonates and the catalyst is devoid of an alcohol to thereby provide a solvent mixture consisting of the first symmetric carbonate, the second symmetric carbonate and a product unsymmetric carbonate; andd) dissolving an alkali metal salt in the solvent mixture to provide the electrolyte.