Recent Advances in Dimethyl Oxalate Hydrogenation: Integrating Catalyst Design with Reaction Engineering for Sustainable Production of C2 Oxygenates

Abstract

Dimethyl oxalate (DMO) hydrogenation is a pivotal process for transforming non-petroleum carbon resources into high-value chemicals such as methyl glycolate, ethylene glycol, and ethanol. Despite its potential for enabling carbon circularity and renewable hydrogen integration, industrial adoption remains hindered by persistent challenges in achieving balanced activity, selectivity, and catalyst stability under mild and energy-efficient conditions. Existing reviews often address catalyst design or process optimization in isolation, lacking a comprehensive perspective. In this review, we provide a systematic overview of recent advances in DMO hydrogenation, with particular emphasis on the intricate cascade reaction mechanisms as well as thermodynamic and kinetic factors that govern product distribution and efficiency. Through an integrated analysis of catalyst structure, reaction networks, and process engineering, we identify key bottlenecks and outline emerging strategies poised to overcome current limitations. This discussion offers new insights and practical guidance for the rational development of advanced catalytic materials and sustainable implementation of DMO hydrogenation technologies.