Direct Catalytic Conversion of Cellulose into Ethylene Glycol Using Nickel‐Promoted Tungsten Carbide Catalysts

Nickel saves dimes: The expense of using precious-metal catalysts is avoided in the high-yielding conversion of cellulose to ethylene glycol (see picture; AC=activated carbon). This process occurs in up to 29 % yield over a tungsten carbide catalyst, and in up to 61 % yield when the catalyst is promoted with a small amount of nickel. An attractive feature of this reaction is the low yields of other polyols with respect to ethylene glycol. Cellulose, the most abundant source of biomass, is currently regarded as a promising alternative for fossil fuels as it cannot be digested by human beings and thus its use, unlike corn and starch, will not impose a negative impact on food supplies.1, 2 One of the most…