Synthesis of ethylene glycol via catalytic hydration over Nb_2O_5/α-Al_2O_3 catalyst

Niobium oxide supported on α alumina was prepared by impregnation and tested as the catalyst for ethylene oxide hydration. The catalyst exhibited excellent stability. No decline of the catalyst was observed within 1 000 h of stability test. Ethylene glycol yield of 90% was obtained under the following reaction condition: 150 ℃, 0.8～1.2 MPa, LHSV=10～30 h~(-1),n(water)∶n(ethylene oxide)=22∶1.