Toward replacing ethylene oxide in a sustainable world: Glycolaldehyde as bio-based C2 platform molecule.

Nowadays, fossil-based platform molecules such as ethylene and ethylene oxide serve as primary feedstock for the C 2 -based chemical industry. However, in search for a more sustainable chemical industry, fossil-based resources may preferentially be replaced by renewable alternatives, provided realistic economic feasibility. This review compares and critically discusses several production routes toward bio-based structural analogs of ethylene oxide and the required adaptations for their implementation in state-of-the-art C 2 -based chemical processes. For instance, glycolaldehyde, a structural analog obtainable from carbohydrates  via  atom-economic retro-aldol, may replace ethylene oxide's leading role. This alternative chemical route may not only accommodate to lower the carbon footprint of conventional chemicals production, but the introduction of a bio-based pathway may also contribute to safer production processes. Where possible, challenges, drawbacks, and prospects are highlighted.