Conversion of Biomass-Derived Glycolide to Ethylene Glycol over Cu

In this paper, the conversion of biomass-derived glycolide to ethylene glycol over Cu was investigated. As a result, Cu showed significant catalytic role for the conversion of glycolide into ethylene glycol compared to other catalysts, such as Ni and Mo. A 24.3% yield of ethylene glycol was achieved in the process. The possible formation pathway of ethylene glycol from glycolide over Cu under hydrothermal conditions was proposed.