Abstract: A catalytic reaction of ethylene oxide (EO) coupling with syngas to produce 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) is disclosed. The catalytic reaction of EO, carbon monoxide and the alcohol uses a N,O-ligand coordinated metal complex catalyst. The reaction is carried out in an organic solvent in the presence of an additive at the temperature of 30-190° C. and the CO pressure of 1-150 atm for 0.1-200 h to prepare 3-hydroxypropinate (3HP). The catalytic reaction of 3HP with dihydrogen uses a copper-containing mixed metal silicon oxide catalyst with a molecular formula of M?uCuvSiyOz. The reaction is carried out at 80-400° C. and 20-150 atm for 0.1-200 h to prepare the 1,3-PDO. The yield of the 1,3-PDO can reach to 73%. The alcohol byproduct generated in the second step catalytic hydrogenation reaction can be recycled to use for the first step catalytic reaction by the ring opening-carbonylation-esterification.