A process for large scale and energy efficient production of oxygenates from sugar is disclosed in which a sugar feedstock is introduced into a thermolytic fragmentation reactor comprising a fluidized stream of heat carrying particles which are separated from the reaction product and directed to a reheater comprising a resistance heating system.

A process for the preparation of ethylene glycol comprising the steps of pyrolyzing a monosaccharide and hydrogenating the product composition in the presence of a catalyst and a solvent, wherein the pressure of the hydrogenation reaction is 40 bar or greater.

A process for the preparation of ethylene glycol comprising the steps of pyrolyzing a monosaccharide and hydrogenating the product composition in the presence of a catalyst and a solvent, wherein the pressure of the hydrogenation reaction is 40 bar or greater.

A process for the preparation of ethylene glycol comprising the steps of hydrogenating a composition comprising C.sub.2-oxygenate compounds in the gas phase in the presence of a catalyst.

A process for the preparation of ethylene glycol comprising the steps of hydrogenating a composition comprising C.sub.2-oxygenate compounds in the gas phase in the presence of a catalyst.

A process for the preparation of ethylene glycol comprising the steps of hydrogenating a composition comprising C.sub.2-oxygenate compounds in the gas phase in the presence of a catalyst.

A process for the preparation of ethylene glycol comprising the steps of hydrogenating a composition comprising C.sub.2-oxygenate compounds in the gas phase in the presence of a catalyst.

A process for the preparation of ethylene glycol comprising the steps of pyrolysing a monosaccharide and hydrogenating the product composition in the presence of a catalyst and a solvent, wherein the pressure of the hydrogenation reaction is 40 bar or greater.

A process for the preparation of ethylene glycol comprising the steps of pyrolysing a monosaccharide and hydrogenating the product composition in the presence of a catalyst and a solvent, wherein the pressure of the hydrogenation reaction is 40 bar or greater.