When phosgene is reacted with an excess of methanol, this produces dimethyl carbonate. Dimethyl carbonate is used in methylating anilines, phenols, and carboxylic acids, and is also being studied for its use as an alternative additive in fuel.
The industrial production of dimethyl carbonate no longer uses phosgene because of the latter's toxicity. Phosgene widely gained infamy when it was used in chemical warfare during WWI.
