Advance in Cu-based catalysts for hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate to ethylene glycol

The conversion of syngas to ethylene glycol via hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate was counted as the most potential process for ethylene glycol production.Recent studies on Cu based catalysts for heterogeneous hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate to ethylene glycol were introduced,and influences of catalyst preparation methods,supports,and promoters on the catalytic performances were summarized.In addition,the active sites and mechanism of the reaction were discussed.