Premium
Toward Replacing Ethylene Oxide in a Sustainable World: Glycolaldehyde as a Bio‐Based C 2 Platform Molecule
Author(s) -
Faveere William H.,
Van Praet Sofie,
Vermeeren Benjamin,
Dumoleijn Kim N. R.,
Moonen Kristof,
Taarning Esben,
Sels Bert F.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.202009811
Subject(s) - glycolaldehyde , carbon footprint , chemical industry , ethylene , chemistry , fossil fuel , oxide , biochemical engineering , ethylene oxide , atom economy , raw material , sustainable society , nanotechnology , organic chemistry , catalysis , materials science , sustainability , engineering , greenhouse gas , biology , ecology , polymer , copolymer
Fossil‐based platform molecules such as ethylene and ethylene oxide currently serve as the primary feedstock for the C 2 ‐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 C 2 ‐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.