Method for producing ethylene glycol from polyhydroxy compound

US8324433B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• DALIAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES · CN

Inventors

• Tao Zhang · Beijing, CN
• Mingyuan Zheng · Dalian, CN
• Aiqin Wang · Dalian, CN
• Na Ji · Dalian, CN
• Jifeng Pang · Dalian, CN
• Zhijun Tai · Dalian, CN
• Likun Zhou · Dalian, CN
• Jingguang Chen · Hockessin, US
• Xiaodong Wang · Zhejiang, CN

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 31, 2010
• Grant date: Dec 4, 2012
• Expiry date: Oct 31, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P20/52
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method for producing ethylene glycol, including (a) adding a polyhydroxy compound and water to a sealed high-pressure reactor, (b) removing air and introducing hydrogen, and (c) allowing the polyhydroxy compound to react in the presence of a catalyst while stiffing. The catalyst includes a first active ingredient and a second active ingredient. The first active ingredient includes a transition metal of Group 8, 9, or 10 selected from iron, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, iridium, and platinum, and/or a mixture thereof. The second active ingredient includes a metallic state of molybdenum and/or tungsten, or a carbide, nitride, or phosphide thereof. The method is carried out at a hydrogen pressure of 1-12 MPa, at a temperature of 120-300° C. for not less than 5 min in a one-step catalytic reaction. The efficiency, selectivity, and the yield of ethylene glycol are high. The preparation process is simple and the materials used are renewable.