Basic Information On Carbonates

Carbonate is a compound in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms of the two hydroxyl groups (-OH) in the carbonic acid molecule are replaced by alkyl groups (R, R'). Its general formula is RO-CO-OH or RO-CO-OR'. In case of strong acid, it decomposes into carbon dioxide and alcohol. Carbonates can be used as protecting groups for 1,2-diols and 1,3-diols. The method of deprotection is treatment with aqueous sodium hydroxide. Carbonate polymerizes to form polycarbonate, a thermoplastic.