lithium ion concentrations, hydroxypropylene carbonate is being investigated as an electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries. However, protic solvents with reactive free hydroxy groups are undesirable in battery systems. The epoxy alcohol glycidol is formed in the decarboxylation of glycerol-1,2-carbonate at temperatures > 175 °C, reduced pressure and in the presence of acidic or basic (e.g. potassium oxide ) catalysts in yields of 75 to 85% Inexpensive glycidol as a precursor to polyglycerols, glycerol esters, and glycidyl ethers could find wider application in detergents, paints and coatings, and stabilizers for natural oils and for vinyl polymers. Epichlorohydrin, which is important for the production of epoxy resins and adhesives, can be obtained from glycerol carbonate via 2-chloromethyl-1,3-dioxolane-2-one and its decarboxylation at 80 °C in yields of up to 90%. Polyglycerol esters are formed by the reaction of long-chain carboxylic acids with glycerol carbonate (and other cyclic carbonates such as ethylene carbonate) in the presence of strong bases and can i.a. as emulsifiers, dispersants, flow improvers and lubricants. Biodegradable, water-soluble and non-flammable polycarbonate homopolymers are formed when glycerol-1,2-carbonate is heated to 140 °C in the presence of zinc sulfate, and with excess glycerin, copolymers which might find application as lubricants, detergents, drilling aids, and so forth. Of particular interest could be the use of bis-glycerol carbonates in non-isocyanate-based polyurethanes (NIPUs), which could replace problematic diisocyanates such as toluene-2,4-diisocyanate TDI and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate MDI. Even a partial substitution of diisocyanates in polyurethanes by bis-glycerol carbonates would be a significant outlet for glycerol derivatives and a milestone in the use of monomers from renewable raw materials. See also Glycerol Dioxalin Epichlorohydrin Nitroglycerin Oleochemicals Saponification/Soapmaking Solketal Transesterification References Carbonate esters Dioxolanes Glycerol esters