Toward Replacing Ethylene Oxide in a Sustainable World: Glycolaldehyde as a Bio‐Based C2 Platform Molecule

Fossil‐based platform molecules such as ethylene and ethylene oxide currently serve as the primary feedstock for the C2‐based chemical industry. However, in the search for a more sustainable chemical industry, fossil‐based resources may preferentially be replaced by renewable alternatives, provided there is realistic economic feasibility. This Review compares and critically discusses several production routes toward bio‐based structural analogues of ethylene oxide and the required adaptations for their implementation in state‐of‐the‐art C2‐based chemical processes. For example, glycolaldehyde, a structural analogue obtainable from carbohydrates by atom‐economic retro‐aldol reactions, may replace ethylene oxide's leading role. This alternative chemical route may not only allow the carbon footprint of conventional chemicals production to be lowered, but the introduction of a bio‐based pathway may also contribute to safer production processes. Where possible, challenges, drawbacks, and prospects are highlighted. Fossil‐based platform molecules such as ethylene and ethylene oxide currently serve as the primary feedstock for the C2‐based chemical industry. This Review compares and critically discusses several production routes toward bio‐based structural analogues of ethylene oxide, for example glycolaldehyde, and the required adaptations for their implementation in state‐of‐the‐art C2‐based chemical processes.