Author:

Keywords:

ALIPHATIC-ALCOHOLS, AQUEOUS-SOLUTION, biorefineries, CATALYTIC CONVERSION, Chemistry, Chemistry, Multidisciplinary, ethylene oxide, FAST-PYROLYSIS, glycolaldehyde, LIGNOCELLULOSE FRACTIONATION, OF-THE-ART, PHASE HYDROGENATION, Physical Sciences, platform molecules, REDUCTIVE AMINATION, RENEWABLE GLYCOLALDEHYDE, Science & Technology, SELECTIVE OXIDATION, sustainability, C24E/19/049#55215754, 03 Chemical Sciences, Organic Chemistry, 34 Chemical sciences

Abstract:

Fossil-based platform molecules such as ethylene and ethylene oxide currently serve as the primary feedstock for the C2 -based chemical industry. However, in the search for a more sustainable chemical industry, fossil-based resources may preferentially be replaced by renewable alternatives, provided there is realistic economic feasibility. This Review compares and critically discusses several production routes toward bio-based structural analogues of ethylene oxide and the required adaptations for their implementation in state-of-the-art C2 -based chemical processes. For example, glycolaldehyde, a structural analogue obtainable from carbohydrates by atom-economic retro-aldol reactions, may replace ethylene oxide's leading role. This alternative chemical route may not only allow the carbon footprint of conventional chemicals production to be lowered, but the introduction of a bio-based pathway may also contribute to safer production processes. Where possible, challenges, drawbacks, and prospects are highlighted.