Syngas to Ethylene Glycol: A Technology Overview

SABIC is the world largest MEG producer petrochemical company and most of its MEG is being produced through the hydrolysis of EO. Ethylene oxide (EO) is a simplest form of epoxides and due to its molecular structure, acts as a versatile intermediate for a variety of chemicals such as; monoethylene glycol (MEG), di- and triethylene glycols, ethoxylates, ethanol amines, and glycol ethers. The growing demand of MEG owing to its downstream utilization in polyester industry has prompted the research of an efficient, cost effective, and environmentally benign EO production process.   

The major feedstock for MEG are ethylene and syngas. The heavy dependence of MEG producers on ethylene and its scarcity in some parts of the world promoted the need of alternate feedstock for highly demanded MEG. The technological developments utilizing syngas as a feedstock will be discussed along with the commercial analysis and future growth in EO/EG business.