1,3-Propanediol

Overview

1,3-Propanediol (PDO) is primarily used to produce the novel polyester poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT). PTT combines the chemical stability of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with excellent resilience and stain resistance, making it a promising material for textile applications.

Applications

1,3-PDO can also be used as a raw material for fine chemicals such as antifreeze and emulsifiers.

Production Process

Ethylene oxide hydroformylation: Ethylene oxide is first hydroformylated with synthesis gas to form HPA, which is then hydrogenated to 1,3-PDO. The key to the Shell process is the use of a cobalt carbonyl catalyst in the hydroformylation process, along with various ligands (such as diphosphine, trihydrophosphine, and trihydroarsine) and additives (tetrabutylphosphonium acetate and butylpentylpyridine). Based on ethylene oxide, 1,3-PDO yields can reach 85% to 90%, with product purity reaching 99.6% (by weight).

Chemical Properties

A colorless or pale yellow viscous liquid with a slightly pungent, salty taste and dilutability. It is miscible in various solvents, including water, ethanol, acetone, chloroform (chloroform), and ether, but poorly soluble in benzene.

Uses

It is used in organic synthesis, as an antifreeze agent, solvent, and in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals and new antioxidants. It is also used in organic synthesis and as a gas chromatography standard. It can be used in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals, new polyesters (PTT), pharmaceutical intermediates, and new antioxidants.