Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a mixture of alkylene glycols (e.g. ethylene glycol and/or propylene glycol) from a carbohydrate source by catalytic conversion with hydrogen. More specifically, the catalytic hydrogenolysis process of the invention has an increased selectivity for glycerol, next to producing considerable amounts of ethyelene glycol and propylene glycol. This is achieved by ensuring the carbohydrate feed is rich in sucrose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a mixture of alkylene glycols (e.g. ethylene glycol and/or propylene glycol) from a carbohydrate source by catalytic conversion with hydrogen. More specifically, the catalytic hydrogenolysis process of the invention has a decreased selectivity for larger polyols like sorbitol and erythritol, which larger polyols are obtained generally as a side product in catalytic hydrogenolysis, when viewed in comparison to the selectivity for small alkylene glycols (like ethylene glycol and propylene glycol). This is achieved by ensuring the carbohydrate feed is rich in sucrose.

Abstract: Ethylene glycol is prepared from a carbohydrate source in a process, wherein hydrogen, the carbohydrate source, a liquid diluent and a catalyst system are provided as reactants into a reaction zone; wherein the catalyst system comprises a tungsten compound and at least one hydrogenolysis metal selected from the noble metals Pd, Pt, Ru, Rh, Ir and combinations thereof; wherein the carbohydrate source is introduced into the reaction zone such that in the reaction zone the concentration of the carbohydrate source in the diluent is at least 4% wt, calculated as weight of carbohydrate source per weight of diluent; wherein the amount of the at least one hydrogenolysis metal selected from the noble metals Pd, Pt, Ru, Rh, Ir and combinations thereof ranges from 0.2 to 1.

Abstract: Ethylene glycol is prepared from a carbohydrate source in a process, wherein hydrogen, the carbohydrate source, a liquid diluent and a catalyst system are provided as reactants into a reaction zone; wherein the catalyst system comprises a tungsten compound and at least one hydrogenolysis metal selected from the noble metals Pd, Pt, Ru, Rh, Ir and combinations thereof; wherein the carbohydrate source is introduced into the reaction zone such that in the reaction zone the concentration of the carbohydrate source in the diluent is at least 4% wt, calculated as weight of carbohydrate source per weight of diluent; wherein the amount of the at least one hydrogenolysis metal selected from the noble metals Pd, Pt, Ru, Rh, Ir and combinations thereof ranges from 0.2 to 1.