John B. Wilkes

Ethylene Glycol from Methanol and Synthesis Gas via Glycolic Acid

The manufacture of chemicals from synthesis gas is of considerable interest, as synthesis gas can be made from a wide variety of carbon-containing feedstocks including coal, coke, petroleum, natural gas, and biomass. Methanol and acetic acid are now being made commercially from synthesis gas and carbon monoxide, respectively. A commercial plant for the production of acetic anhydride from methanol and carbon monoxide is now under construction.