News Post
Evonik and Dow develop industrial-scale direct synthesis of propylene glycol from propylene and hydrogen peroxide
Dow and Evonik have entered into an exclusive technology partnership. Together, they plan to bring a unique method for directly synthesizing propylene glycol (PG) from propylene and hydrogen peroxide to market maturity. The key element is a novel catalytic system developed by Evonik researchers which allows for the direct synthesis of PG from propylene and hydrogen peroxide, in a process offering high yield and comparatively low energy consumption.
Some 1.9 million metric tons of propylene glycol were used worldwide in 2018. The molecule is used in the production of polyester resins and as a de-icing agent. It is also an important food additive and serves as a humectant and co-surfactant in many products in the home and personal care market.
“We are very pleased to be cooperating with Dow to bring the HYPROSYN™ process to market maturity. Dow is by far the largest producer of PG worldwide and a world leader in the field of material science” says Michael Träxler, the head of Evonik’s Active Oxygens business line.
A pilot plant is to be constructed at the Evonik site in Hanau by the end of 2020, with large-scale technical implementation to follow a few years later. “In addition to potential license revenue, this partnership also demonstrates how we create new areas of application for hydrogen peroxide and positions us as a preferred provider," said Träxler.
The HYPROSYN™ technology offers several advantages:
It is expected to consume significantly less energy while providing a higher yield.
The HYPROSYN™ process combines all reaction steps in a single reactor, eliminating the need for investment in additional PO capacity. Existing PG plants can be retrofitted with little effort.
Only hydrogen peroxide and propylene are processed as feedstock, increasing flexibility and lowering total investment cost.
Evonik is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of hydrogen peroxide, one of the two starting materials for the HYPROSYN® process. The company’s 13 production sites distributed throughout the world ensure an optimal supply of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with an annual capacity of more than 950,000 metric tons.
Source: Evonik
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