1,3 dihydroxypropane, also known as trimethylene glycol or simply PDO, is a clear, colorless, and hygroscopic organic compound that is soluble in water and many organic solvents. With the chemical formula C3H8O2, PDO has three carbons, eight hydrogens, and two hydroxyl functional groups. With two functional groups, PDO is considered a diol and a type of polyol. At room temperature, PDO takes the form of a viscous liquid but becomes a solid below its freezing point of around -36°C.

Production Methods for 1,3 Propanediol    

There are two primary methods for producing 1,3 dihydroxypropane on an industrial scale. The first involves the hydrogenation of petrochemical-derived acrylonitrile or its oligomers. Through a multi-step process, acrylonitrile is converted to Global Production of 1,3 Propanediol  with typical selectivity greater than 90%. Major manufacturers that utilize this technology include DuPont Tate & Lyle and SKC. However, this approach relies on non-renewable feedstocks.

The second, more sustainable method is via fermentation of sustainable biomass sources. Companies such as Genomatica and Global BioChem have developed biological processes using specially engineered microorganisms to consume simple sugars and produce PDO as the major fermentation product. This technique allows utilizing renewable resources like corn sugars, sugar cane, and cellulosic feedstocks. Global capacity for biological PDO production has increased dramatically in the past decade to over 150,000 metric tons annually as of 2020.

Applications for 1,3 dihydroxypropane

1,3 dihydroxypropane finds its way into a variety of commercial applications due to its favorable material properties. One of the largest uses for PDO is as a monomer for the production of polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), a polyester similar to polyethylene terephthalate in many regards. Garments, carpet fibers, and other textiles made from PTT offer advantages like elasticity, permeability to water vapor, durability, and easy dyeing. Leading producers of PTT include DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products.

PDO also serves as a monomer for resins, coatings, and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) with various performance characteristics. For example, some PDO-based TPUs provide softness and flexibility well-suited for applications in footwear and specialty fabrics. Genomatica has partnered with multiple companies to commercialize sustainable PDO-derived TPU technologies.

Engineered fuels represent another area utilizing 1,3 dihydroxypropane. Companies are developing “drop-in” gasoline, diesel and jet fuel replacements by converting PDO into hydrocarbon mixtures that can directly substitute petroleum-derived fuels in transportation systems without engine modification. This pathway offers the ability to decarbonize liquid fuels.

Continued Growth of Global 1,3 dihydroxypropane    

Research firm    sand   s projects the overall PDO     will grow at a CAGR of nearly 8% through 2025, rising from $1.35 billion in 2020 to over $2 billion. Demand will be driven by the expanding production capacities and consumption of PTT fibers and other polyols in textiles, transportation, packaging, and other goods. Renewably sourced PDO technologies allowing the conversion of various sustainable feedstocks into high-value biobased materials are enabling this growth.

Asia Pacific currently accounts for over half of worldwide PDO capacity and will remain the     leader due to the large polyester manufacturing industries in China, India, and other countries actively developing bio-based chemical sectors. However, North America and Europe are also establishing regional PDO value chains supporting domestic textiles, composites, and transportation fuel industries. Nations and international organizations are promoting the development of bio-based alternatives to reduce dependence on petrochemicals.

Outlook and Status of the Global 1,3 dihydroxypropane    

Due to a combination of     pull from growing polyester and polyurethane demand together with technology push creating more efficient sustainable conversion methods, the global PDO     is positioned for continuous expansion and geographical dispersion over the coming decade. Major companies across different segments of the supply chain are making large capital investments to increase fermentation and downstream processing capacities. From new facilities breaking ground in Asia to commercial cellulosic sugar platforms starting up in the United States, production routes are diversifying.

Engineering and scientific progress is leading to intensified fermentation and product extraction efficiencies, helping drive down manufacturing costs. Greater integration of renewable feedstocks through supply chain coordination will further enhance the economic and environmental case. As technologies mature and    s develop, 1,3 dihydroxypropane is on track to establish itself as a fundamental building block chemical enabling major new classes of sustainable industrial materials. Aided by its ability to substitute petro-derived chemicals and serve as a biomass upgrading platform, PDO’s future role in the bioeconomy looks bright.

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