Issue 11, 2012

Ethylene glycol: properties, synthesis, and applications

Abstract

Ethylene glycol (EG) is an important organic compound and chemical intermediate used in a large number of industrial processes (e.g. energy, plastics, automobiles, and chemicals). Indeed, owing to its unique properties and versatile commercial applications, a variety of chemical systems (e.g., catalytic and non-catalytic) have been explored for the synthesis of EG, particularly via reaction processes derived from fossil fuels (e.g., petroleum, natural gas, and coal) and biomass-based resources. This critical review describes a broad spectrum of properties of EG and significant advances in the prevalent synthesis and applications of EG, with emphases on the catalytic reactivity and reaction mechanisms of the main synthetic methodologies and applied strategies. We also provide an overview regarding the challenges and opportunities for future research associated with EG.

Graphical abstract: Ethylene glycol: properties, synthesis, and applications

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
30 Dec 2011
First published
10 Apr 2012

Chem. Soc. Rev., 2012,41, 4218-4244

Ethylene glycol: properties, synthesis, and applications

H. Yue, Y. Zhao, X. Ma and J. Gong, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2012, 41, 4218 DOI: 10.1039/C2CS15359A

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