Ethanol

as an important clean energy

can be used for fuel alternative or additive

which has a huge market potential. Recently

a novel indirect synthesis route of ethanol from syngas via carbonylation of dimethyl ether followed by hydrogenation of methyl acetate has attracted much attention. The route possesses several advantages such as high selectivity

mild reaction conditions

cheap catalysts as well as no poisonous emission

which accord with the principles of green chemistry. In addition

the absence of ethanol-water binary azeotrope in products significantly reduces the cost of separation. This review focuses on recent advances in the two key step (carbonylation and hydrogenation)

especially in development of catalyst and catalysis mechanism. The progress of this route will promote clean and diversified development of energy in China.