An energy-conserving route to the production of propylene glycol is being brought to market by Evonik Industries Aircraft de-icing fluids are a large market for propylene glycol. Source: Adobe Stock/chalabalaand Dow. The HYPROSYN process synthesizes the chemical by reacting propylene and hydrogen peroxide instead of reacting propylene oxide with water.

The high yield technology is now being commercialized for the manufacture of propylene glycol, which is used in the production of polyester resins and as a de-icing agent and is consumed as an ingredient in the makeup of home and personal care products. Global production of the compound reached 1.9 million metric tons in 2018.

The process combines all reaction steps in a single reactor, eliminating the need for investment in additional propylene oxide capacity. Existing propylene glycol plants can be easily retrofitted with HYPROSYN technology, increasing operational flexibility and containing investment costs by the use of only hydrogen peroxide and propylene as feedstock.

A pilot plant is planned at the Evonik site in Hanau, Germany, by the end of 2020.