This invention provides a method for preparing 1,2-
propanediol and its application. The method includes: step (1): in the presence of an acidic catalyst and water, ring-opening of a first portion of
propylene oxide to obtain an acid-catalyzed reaction solution containing 1,2-
propanediol; step (2): in the presence of an
alkaline catalyst and water, ring-opening of a second portion of
propylene oxide to obtain an alkaline-catalyzed reaction solution containing 1,2-
propanediol; step (3): mixing the obtained acid-catalyzed reaction solution and the alkaline-catalyzed reaction solution for a
neutralization reaction to obtain a mixture containing 1,2-propanediol; wherein, the
molar ratio of the first portion of
propylene oxide to water in step (1) and the
molar ratio of the second portion of propylene
oxide to water in step (1) are each independently 1:1-5; using the method of this invention to prepare 1,2-propanediol requires only a lower water ratio to obtain a higher propylene
oxide conversion rate and 1,2-propanediol content, and the
wastewater volume is lower and the color is colorless after the reaction.