Amine compounds, bi-functional compounds (EDTA, ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid type), and Salen compounds were investigated for catalytic hydration of ethylene oxide (EO) to monoethylene glycol (MEG). Many of the catalysts studied are selective for the formation of MEG compared with thermal hydration without any catalyst present. The results of the catalytic hydration with three types of catalysts were rationalized using acid and base catalyzed reaction mechanisms. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.