New Trends and Perspectives in Production of 1,2-Propanediol

Abstract

The production of 1,2-propanediol is a significant challenge for the chemical industry due to the increasing demand for this versatile product and the pro-ecological regulatory actions. The traditional method of producing this compound through the hydrolysis of petroleum-derived 1,2-epoxypropane (propylene oxide) is energy intensive, and sustainable routes based on renewable raw materials are becoming more attractive. This perspective presents the current state of scientific and patent literature on the production of 1,2-propanediol and the implementation of new technologies by leading companies. This perspective also discusses alternative pathways, including glycerol hydrogenolysis and biotechnological methods, highlighting their potential to reduce energy consumption and lower the carbon footprint of the process. The focus is on modern methods, including chromium-free catalytic systems for glycerol hydrogenolysis, in situ hydrogen generation, and multifunctional catalysts for saccharides hydrolysis and hydrogenolysis. Biobased 1,2-propanediol produced from renewable alternative raw materials has great potential to replace traditional petroleum-derived 1,2-propanediol with substantial environmental and economic benefits.

Valorization of bio-renewable glycerol by catalytic amination reactions

“…Propane-1,2-diol can be obtained via the deoxygenation of glycerol. 80 In the recent years, the exploitation of glycerol-derived molecules has attracted significant attention in the context of developing eco-friendly routes to a myriad of important synthetic organic transformations. 81 In the past Corma and Iborra together developed efficient methodologies for the synthesis of quinoxalines ( 76 ) from glycols ( 75 ) and 1,2-dinitrobenzene ( 74 ) derivatives using supported gold nanoparticles as catalysts using reusable Au/CeO 2 as the catalyst (Scheme 21).…”

Technological Insights on Glycerol Valorization into Propanediol through Thermocatalytic and Synthetic Biology Approaches

“…1,2-propanediol is conventionally synthesized through the hydrolysis of propylene oxide, a chemical that is generated by the processing of crude oil [74,75]. There are multiple approaches to producing propylene oxide, but one regularly used method is the chlorohydrin route, which produces a large amount of calcium chloride waste [74,76]. New production facilities do not utilize this method as modern alternatives can greatly reduce the amount of waste produced when synthesizing propylene oxide.…”

“…There are also additional environmental drawbacks to using this chemical as part of the 1,2-propanediol hydrolysis process. To synthesize 1,2-propanediol, propylene oxide is mixed with water in ratios of 1:15 propylene oxide/water ratio or greater and is reacted at a pressure of 1.8 MPa and a temperature of 190 • C [74]. The cost associated with high energy requirements and significant water usage for this process makes it unsustainable, which is why utilizing new alternative green methods to produce 1,2-propanediol is key in reducing the environmental impacts.…”

Nickel‐Tin Nanoalloy Supported ZnO Catalysts from Mixed‐Metal Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks for Selective Conversion of Glycerol to 1,2‐Propanediol

“…In particular, 1,2‐propanediol (1,2‐PDO) is a substantial commodity chemical that is in high demand for the manufacture of polyester resins, polyurethanes, cosmetics, and de‐icing additives [3] . More than half of all 1,2‐PDO production depends on petroleum‐derived propylene oxide via chlorohydrin or hydroperoxide routes, [4] which requires the use of toxic oxidants and results in the production of chlorinated byproducts [5] . Considering the environment burden of conventional 1,2‐PDO production, the catalytic hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2‐PDO has attracted considerable attention in academic and industrial research.…”