Propionic acid and ethyl propionate are important chemical products and intermediates in organic synthesis. Due to the abundant ethanol resources, which could be obtained by the non-petroleum synthesis in China, the synthesis of propionate and ethyl propionate from ethanol has been extensively studied. However, the homogeneous carbonylation of ethanol encounters some problems, such as low yield, harsh reaction conditions and difficulty in separating the product from the catalyst. At present, the research on ethanol carbonylation mainly focuses on heterogeneous catalyst, includes noble metal catalyst and non-noble metal catalyst. In this paper, the research progress of the two types of catalysts is introduced in detail. The reaction mechanism of the two types of catalysts, the effects of promoters, supports and process parameters on the activity of two catalysts are emphatically described. The advantages and disadvantages of the different catalysts are pointed out and the application status of the catalysts is reviewed. Finally, the synthesis of propionic acid and ethyl propionate by the heterogeneous carbonylation of ethanol is prospected. Thus, this review could provide ideas for the design and development of catalysts with high activity and stability.