Hydrogenation for diol production

Catalytic hydrogenation for the production of diols is a key process in the chemical industry, with major applications in plastics, pharmaceuticals, and fine and specialty chemicals. Diols (bifunctional alcohols) are produced by hydrogenating dicarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, or esters to the corresponding diols under controlled conditions. The general reaction is:

HOOC–(CH₂)ₙ–COOH + 4 H₂ → HO–(CH₂)ₙ₊₂–OH + 2 H₂O

(Dicarboxylic acid → Diol)

Copper-based, copper chromite, and palladium catalysts are particularly suitable for hydrogenation processes aimed at diol production. These catalyst systems enable high conversion and selectivity while maintaining stable operation under moderate temperatures and pressures.

Key benefits of catalytic hydrogenation for diol production include high selectivity toward primary diols, economic efficiency in large-scale operation, and the possibility to produce bio-based diols from renewable feedstocks. Chemoselective catalysis minimizes by-product formation and supports consistent product quality.

We recommend HySat, HyFlex, and HyMax catalysts: highly selective copper- and palladium-based catalyst systems developed for the hydrogenation of dicarboxylic acids and derivatives to diols.

Typical applications include polyurethane production, polyester manufacturing, pharmaceutical intermediates, and fine and specialty chemicals.