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Selection of Process

Ethylene glycol can be synthesized through a two-step acetoxylation process of ethylene. [1] In the first step, ethylene glycol diacetate is produced when ethylene is oxidized in an acetic acid solution using a tellurium catalyst under high temperature and pressure. [2] In the second step, the glycol acetates produced in the first step are hydrolyzed to ethylene glycol and acetic acid, with the overall reaction being the addition of ethylene, oxygen, and water to produce ethylene glycol.

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99 views2 pages

Selection of Process

Ethylene glycol can be synthesized through a two-step acetoxylation process of ethylene. [1] In the first step, ethylene glycol diacetate is produced when ethylene is oxidized in an acetic acid solution using a tellurium catalyst under high temperature and pressure. [2] In the second step, the glycol acetates produced in the first step are hydrolyzed to ethylene glycol and acetic acid, with the overall reaction being the addition of ethylene, oxygen, and water to produce ethylene glycol.

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ridzuwan rahimi
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Acetoxylation of ethylene

Ethylene glycol (EG) can be synthesized by the process of acetoxylation of

ethylene. Two reaction steps were used in this process. In the first reaction, ethylene glycol

diacetate is obtained by the oxidation of ethylene in an acetic acid solution, catalyzed by Tellurium

and a Bromine compound. Palladium, Selenium or Thallium can also be used as catalyst.

The reaction complex, proceeds via a tellurium-bromoethylene complex. The oxidation,

which is carried out at 90-200 °C and 20-30 atm pressure, results in a mixture of acetates due to

partial hydrolysis of the diacetate. The reaction liquid effluent is withdrawn and processed to

recover glycol acetates and glycol and provide the recycle streams back to oxidation.

In the second step of reactions, the glycol acetates are hydrolyzed to ethylene glycol and

acetic acid. Thus, the net reaction for this process are ethylene plus oxygen plus water to give

ethylene glycol.
Production from Synthesis Gas

Uses synthesis gas for the production of ethylene glycol. Glycerol and propylene oxide
are the major byproducts. Methanol, methyl formate and water are also produced as shown
below:

2CO + 3H2 → HOCH2CH2OH

An expensive rhodium-based catalyst in tetrahydrofuran solvent at 190-230°C and high


pressure which is 3400 atm.

Figure 1 MEG Production from Synthesis Gas

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