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.
In addition, other uses of carbonates are:
Dimethyl carbonate: methylating reagent;
Ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate: polar solvent;
Triphosgene (bis(trichloromethyl)carbonate): phosgene substitute;
Dimethylpyrocarbonate: preservative;
Polycarbonate: Polymer material.