Selective hydrogenolysis of biomass-derived xylitol to glycols : reaction network and kinetics
The conversion of bio-based xylitol to ethylene glycol (EG) and propylene glycol (PG) was studied to replace the petrochemical production route and achieve a sustainable process. The reaction network for aqueous-phase catalytic hydrogenolysis of xylitol over a supported Pt catalyst with Ca(OH) 2 as promotor was identified and the reaction kinetics was determined. The effects of reaction conditions such as educt concentration, H2 pressure, and temperature were investigated. With the developed kinetic model, the composition of the product mixture regarding the desired products (EG, PG) and by-products can be described. The maximum EG yield was achieved at high pressure and low temperature, while high pressure and temperature favored PG production.