Petrochemical

Submitted by:
Soumya Purkayastha(21/CHE/092)
Soumyadip Das(21/CHE/093)
Srusti Maity(21/CHE/098)
INTRODUCTION 1
Process Description 2
Flow Diagram 3
Applications 4
Reference 5
The production of glycerine from propylene via the Acrolein route is a chemical process used to
synthesize glycerol, a versatile and valuable compound with numerous industrial applications.
Glycerol, commonly known as glycerine, is a trihydric alcohol that plays a crucial role in various
industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and even the production of
biofuels.
The glycerine produced through the Acrolein route is a valuable commodity with diverse
applications. It serves as a humectant and sweetening agent in the food industry, a moisturizing
ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products, a component in pharmaceutical formulations,
and a feedstock for the production of biofuels like biodiesel.
This process not only provides a sustainable way to obtain glycerine from propylene but also
demonstrates the versatility and importance of glycerol in various industrial sectors. Moreover, as
the global focus on sustainability and renewable resources grows, the production of glycerine
through the Acrolein route aligns with these environmental considerations, making it an attractive
option in the chemical industry.
1
The production of glycerine from propylene via the Acrolein route involves several steps and chemical
reactions. Here's a simplified process description:
1. Propylene Oxidation: The process begins with the oxidation of propylene. This can be done using air or oxygen as
an oxidizing agent. In this step, propylene is converted into acrolein.
Reaction: Propylene + Oxygen → Acrolein + Other Byproducts
2. Acrolein Purification: The acrolein produced in the previous step is typically mixed with impurities and other
byproducts. It needs to be purified to remove impurities, which can be done through processes like distillation or
extraction.
3. Acrolein Hydrogenation: Acrolein is then subjected to hydrogenation to convert it into glycerine. Hydrogen gas is
used in the presence of a catalyst (typically a metal catalyst like nickel or palladium) to reduce acrolein to glycerine.
Reaction: Acrolein + Hydrogen → Glycerine
4. Glycerine Separation: The glycerine produced in the hydrogenation step is typically mixed with other compounds,
including water. Separation processes, such as distillation, are used to separate glycerine from the water and other
impurities.
5. Glycerine Refining: The separated glycerine may still contain trace impurities, which need to be removed to obtain
high-purity glycerine. Various refining processes, such as ion-exchange chromatography or adsorption, may be
employed to achieve this.
6. Glycerine Concentration: After refining, the glycerine may be concentrated to achieve the desired glycerine
content. Concentration is often achieved by evaporating excess water.
7. Final Product: The final product is high-purity glycerine, which can be used in various industries, including 2
pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and chemicals.
Oxidation, 300oC (CH3)2CHOH
Propylene Acrolein Allyl Alcohol
CuO , Steam MgO/ ZnO, 400oC
H2O2
Glycerine
3
Glycerin can be used in various applications :
• It can be used as moisture in a dry environment.
• As sweeteners in food and beverages.
• It can be used as a preservative compound for certain foods.
• In the pharmaceutical industry, glycerin is used as a sweetener in syrups and lozenges, and as an
excipient in eyewash solutions.
• Glycerin is used industrially in cosmetics, soaps, other chemical industries, paint & and varnish,
agricultural field chemicals, and the explosives production industry.
• This glycerin based product is used to relieve occasional constipation.
• Acts as a filler in commercially prepared low fat food, for e.g. cookies and as a thickening agent in
lickers.
• Used as nitroglycerine which is an essential ingredient in various applications such as explosives. 4

1. A Text on Petrochemicals, Dr. B.K.Bhaskararao, Khanna Publishing House.
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vegetable oils: A review. Ecol. Chem. Eng. 2011;18:9–30. [Google Scholar]
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USA: 2002. [Google Scholar]
5. Anitha M., Kamarudin S.K., Kofli N.T. The potential of glycerol as a value-added
commodity. Chem. Eng. J. 2016;295:119–130. [Google Scholar]
6. Formo M.W. Bailey’s Industrial Oil and Fat Products. 4th ed. Volume 1 John Wiley and Sons; New
York, NY, USA: 1979. Physical properties of fats and fatty acids. [Google Scholar]
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value added products. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 2015;41:113–127.
doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2014.08.031. [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
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• It can be used as moisture in a dry environment.

• As sweeteners in food and beverages.

• It can be used as a preservative compound for certain foods.

• This glycerin based product is used to relieve occasional constipation.

• Used as nitroglycerine which is an essential ingredient in various applications such as explosives. 4

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