Advanced Catalytic Strategies for the Synthesis and Valorization of Diethylene Glycol: Opportunities and Challenges
WAN Jing1, CHU Pengfei1, LUO Chen2, YAN Wenjuan1, JIN Xin1, YANG Chaohe1
1. State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, College of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao 266580, China;
2. Research Institute of Petroleum Processing, PetroChina Company Limited, Beijing 100007, China
Abstract：Diethylene glycol (DEG) is an important petrochemical intermediate characterized by its distinctive ether linkage and symmetrical terminal hydroxyl groups, which enable its transformation into high value-added chemicals through oxidation, amination, and related reactions. This review systematically discussed recent advances and key challenges in the synthesis of DEG and its catalytic conversion to value-added products such as morpholine, p-dioxanone, and diglycolic acid, with particular emphasis on elucidating the reaction pathways, mechanistic features, and catalyst design principles associated with DEG transformation. Focusing on supported Ni-, Cu-, and Pt-based catalysts and promoter-modified systems applied in DEG synthesis and conversion, we examined surface catalytic reaction mechanisms, catalyst deactivation pathways, and the structure-activity relationships that link the structural characteristics of active sites to catalytic performance. The objective is to provide scientific insights and technical guidance for catalyst design and the development of novel DEG-derived products in future research.
WAN Jing,CHU Pengfei,LUO Chen et al. Advanced Catalytic Strategies for the Synthesis and Valorization of Diethylene Glycol: Opportunities and Challenges[J]. Chemical Reaction Engineering and Technology, 2026, 42(1): 75-83.
