Bio-Based Diols Ethylene Glycol, 1,3-Propanediol, 1,4-Butanediol

2 Bio-Based Diols Ethylene Glycol, 1,3-Propanediol, 1,4-Butanediol 

Increasing selectivity towards EG production could render a more direct process towards bio-based EG. A direct route to produce EG from cellulose has, for example, been described by Ji et al, who reported the direct conversion of cellulose into EG with high yields (up to 60%) using nickel-promoted tungsten carbide catalysts [123]. 

The production of 1,3-PDO from biomass has been commercialized by DuPont, which has established biotechnological routes for the production of 1,3-PDO from sugars or glycerol [124]. 1,3-PDO is currently used for the production of the PPT fibre commercialized under the brand name Sorona and being used in applications like clothing, residential carpets, and automotive fabrics. Polyethers based upon 1,3-PDO are being used in the production of polyols for polyurethanes [125]. 

Routes towards based 1,4-BDO are currently under development. The production of succinic acid from biomass is currently being commercialized by companies like for example, BioAmber and the DSM-Roquette joint venture Reverdia [126]. Succinic acid is a potential feedstock for the production of 1,4-BDO via reduction of the diacid to the diol [127]. The US based company Genomatica claims it has been successful in developing technology for the direct biotechnological production of 1,4-BDO (see www.genomatica.com, accessed 22 June 2013 see also section 9.4.2). 

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