One-step synthesis method
Glycol ether acetate products are obtained via a single-step reaction using EO/PO (ethylene oxide/propylene oxide) and ethyl acetate as raw materials in the presence of a catalyst.
Advantages: The reaction process is streamlined, the reaction mixture composition is simple, the catalyst is easily removed after the reaction, and product separation and process control are relatively straightforward.
Transesterification method
A transesterification reaction is carried out using an acetate ester and a glycol ether as raw materials; alcohols are produced as by-products, avoiding side reactions associated with the presence of water.
Advantages: It circumvents the separation challenges (such as azeotrope formation) inherent in aqueous systems, resulting in a relatively clean reaction system.
Direct esterification method
Esterification is performed using a glycol ether and an organic acid (acetic acid or propionic acid) as raw materials, in the presence of an acidic catalyst and an azeotropic dehydrating agent; this is currently the mainstream method for the industrial production of glycol ether esters both domestically and internationally.
