Diethylene glycol is how to synthesize? Detailed analysis and process flow

Diethylene glycol (Ethanediol) is a chemical raw material widely used in the chemical industry, plastic manufacturing, antifreeze and other fields. Its synthesis methods are diverse, mainly through two ways: ethylene method and propylene method. This article will analyze the synthesis process of diethylene glycol in detail to help readers better understand this process.

Diethylene Glycol Basic Properties

Before in-depth analysis of the synthesis of diethylene glycol, we first understand the basic characteristics of diethylene glycol. Diethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless liquid with high solubility. It can dissolve water, alcohol, ether and other solvents, is an important solvent and raw materials. Diethylene glycol is widely used in the chemical industry, especially in the production of polyester fibers, resins, and the preparation of antifreeze.

Synthesis of diethylene glycol

1. Ethylene synthesis of diethylene glycol

Ethylene method is the most common method of diethylene glycol synthesis in industrial production. The principle is to synthesize diethylene glycol by the oxidation reaction of ethylene. The specific process is as follows:

1. Ethylene oxidation: First, ethylene (C₂ H₂) reacts with oxygen in a catalyst (such as a silver or copper catalyst) to produce ethanol (C₂ H₂ OH).
2. Ethanol oxidation: Ethanol is then reacted with oxygen to further oxidize to acetaldehyde (C₂ H? O), which then reacts with water to produce diethylene glycol.

The advantage of this method is that the source of raw material ethylene is abundant, and diethylene glycol can be obtained easily by oxidation reaction. The synthesis of diethylene glycol by ethylene method is widely used in industrial production because of its low cost and high product purity.

2. Propylene synthesis of diethylene glycol

The propylene process is another common diethylene glycol synthesis method. The key step of the process is the synthesis of allyl alcohol by the oxidation reaction of propylene, which is further converted to diethylene glycol. The specific process is as follows:

1. Propylene oxidation: Propylene (Celevated) reacts with oxygen to produce allyl alcohol (Celevated).
2. Propylene alcohol hydrogenation: propylene alcohol and hydrogen in the catalyst under the hydrogenation reaction, the formation of diethylene glycol.

The advantages of the propylene method are that propylene is an important chemical raw material from a wide range of sources, and the method can complete the reaction at a lower temperature and reduce energy consumption. Compared with ethylene method, the synthesis of diethylene glycol by propylene method is less economical.

3. Ethylene Oxide Method

The ethylene oxide method is a relatively complex method for the synthesis of diethylene glycol and is usually used for the production of high-purity diethylene glycol. The reaction process includes:

1. Ethylene oxide synthesis: ethylene in the catalyst with oxygen reaction, the formation of ethylene oxide.
2. Ethylene oxide hydrolysis: Ethylene oxide reacts with water to produce diethylene glycol.

This method requires higher technical requirements, but can obtain more pure diethylene glycol, which is suitable for high-demand industrial applications.

Diethylene Glycol Synthesis Technology Progress and Innovation

With the continuous progress of science and technology, the synthesis method of diethylene glycol is also constantly innovating. For example, in the choice of catalyst, researchers have developed a new type of high-efficiency catalyst, which can significantly improve the yield and reaction rate of diethylene glycol. Some new synthetic processes, such as green catalytic process and biocatalytic process, have gradually attracted the attention of the industry. Although these technologies have not been applied on a large scale, they provide a new development direction for the synthesis of diethylene glycol in the future.

Diethylene Glycol Market Demand and Application

The synthesis method of diethylene glycol directly affects its production cost and market supply. With the continuous development of the global chemical industry, the demand for diethylene glycol is increasing year by year. It is widely used in fiber, plastics, coatings, antifreeze and other fields, and has become an important basic chemical raw material. In the future, with the promotion of the concept of green chemical industry, the synthesis method of diethylene glycol may pay more attention to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Conclusion

Through the above analysis, we can see that the synthesis of diethylene glycol mainly depends on ethylene method, propylene method and ethylene oxide method. Each synthesis method has its own unique advantages and limitations, the specific choice of which method, according to the source of raw materials, cost-effectiveness and product requirements and other factors to consider. In the future, with the continuous emergence of new technologies, the production of diethylene glycol will be more efficient and green, and promote the sustainable development of the chemical industry.

I hope this article can answer the question of how diethylene glycol is synthesized and provide some detailed information about the synthesis of diethylene glycol. If you have any other related questions, please leave a message to communicate with us.