METHANOL
CAS number 67-56-1
Methanol (CH3OH), also known as methyl alcohol is a clear, colourless, flammable liquid with a slightly alcoholic odour. It is a highly toxic polar liquid, soluble in water and most organic solvents. If it is fabricated industrially then it is typically made by reacting hydrogen with carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide.
Methanol is a very simple alcohol and as such has good solvent properties. It is widely used in paints, varnishes, paint thinners and cleaning products, including vehicle wind-screen wash, antifreeze solutions and de-icers for natural gas pipelines.
Methanol is also used in the manufacture of other chemicals, such as formaldehyde, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and acetic acid. In recent years it has become increasingly significant in the field of biodiesel following a transesterification reaction. It can also be used to extract, wash, dry and crystallise pharmaceutical and agricultural chemicals.
CAUSTIC SODA
CAS number 1310-73-2
Caustic soda, also known as Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a white, odourless and solid at room temperature. It is a highly caustic metallic base and alkali salt, which can be available in pellets, flakes or granules and as prepared solutions at a different concentrations. Sodium hydroxide is industrially produced as a 50% solution by variations of the electrolytic chloralkali process. Solid sodium hydroxide is obtained from this solution by the evaporation of water. The main use of sodium hydroxide is in the production of other industrial chemicals, although it is also used in the pulp, paper, metal, food and textile industries, as well as in water treatment processes and various household products including drain and oven cleaners. Sodium hydroxide can also be found in the production of soaps, mineral oils and rubber.
Worldwide production in 2004 was as high as 60 million tones.
ACETONE
CAS number 67-64-1
Acetone [(CH3)2CO] is a colourless, highly flammable liquid with a distinctive taste and ‘fruity’ odour. It is sometimes known as Propanone the simplest ketone. Acetone is manufactured in large quantities (6.7 million tonnes in 2011) 83% of acetone is produced via the cumene process (benzene is alkylated with propylene to produce cumene, which is oxidized by air to produce phenol and acetone). About a third of the world’s acetone is used as a solvent (glues, paints, varnishes, pharma industry etc.) and a quarter is consumed as a precursor to methyl methacrylate, Bisphenol A (epoxides, polycarbonates), denatured alcohol and many niche uses.
POTASSIUM CARBONATE
CAS number 584-08-7
Potassium carbonate is a white solid at room temperature and is generated from potassium hydroxide reacting with carbon dioxide. It has a long history, being the primary component of Potash, which has been used from early history in textile bleaching, glass manufacture and soap production. It dissolves in water to give an alkaline (basic) solution. It is used in large quantities in a variety of industries, including the manufacture of chemicals, fertilisers, soap and glass. It is also used as a drying agent (it removes water from air) and to reduce acidity when producing mead or wine. It is also an ingredient in many other forms for consumer use, such as disinfectants, inks and toners, paints and cleaning products.
BISPHENOL A (BPA)
CAS number 80-05-7
Bisphenol is a carbon-based synthetic compound, sometimes referred to as BPA. It is a relatively recent product, having been in use only since the 1950’s. It is not very soluble in water, but mixes well with organic solvents. As such, it is often used to make certain plastics and epoxy resins.
The main use for bisphenol A (BPA) is in polycarbonate (PC), although it is also used in epoxy resins. Other uses include flame retardants, unsaturated polyester resins, and polyacrylate, polyetherimide and polysulfone resins.
The resins are used to line water pipes or in cans of food. It is also used to make thermal paper for till receipts.
As a plastic it is used in a variety of products such as sports equipment, DVD’s and water bottles. However, recent consumer fears of the use of BPA in baby bottles and infant food packaging has lead some governments (including the US and EU) to restrict the use of this product in these areas.
It is produced by the condensation of phenol and acetone in the presence of an acid catalyst, although newer manufacturing plants use action exchange resins instead. After the recovery of the acid and phenol, BPA is washed with water, neutralized with calcium hydroxide and distilled under vacuum. Again, newer processes have been introduced that use distillation and extractive crystallization under pressure as a way of purification.
DIAMMONIUM PHOSPHATE (DAP)
CAS number 7783-28-0
Diammonium phosphate (DAP) is a highly water-soluble nitrogen phosphate used in a number of multi-component fertilizer mixtures as well as in directly applied compound fertilizers. Because of its nutrient composition, DAP is also referred to as 18-46-0 in trade circles. Aside from monoammonium phosphate (MAP), it is currently the world’s most widely used phosphate fertilizer. Phosphates are mined in the form of rock phosphate, and then react with sulphuric acid to produce phosphoric acid, which in turn reacts with ammonia. This process converts the poorly water-soluble rock phosphate into a water-soluble phosphate fertilizer that is easily assimilated by plants.
DAP can also be used a fire retardant, as it lowers the combustion temperature of materials and increases char rates. These properties make it a popular chemical in the production of commercial fire fighting solutions, especially those designed to tackle forest fires.
It is also used to aid yeast growth in the wine making and brewing industries, to prevent after glow in matches, as an additive in some cigarettes, to help purify sugar, as a flux when soldering and is even used in the process of dyeing wool.
UREA
CAS number 57-13-6
Urea [(NH2)2CO] occurs as white hygroscopic crystals, which are either odourless or have a slight smell of ammonia. Urea is not considered to be harmful at normal temperature, but the dust may irritate the skin, eyes and nose.
The major outlet for urea, accounting for nearly 90% of total consumption, is as a fertilizer. Urea is also used in the manufacture of urea-formaldehyde resins, the synthesis of melamine, in adhesives and paints, and for laminates, moulding compounds, impregnating paper and textiles.
Urea is widely traded on international fertilizer markets. There are two main hubs in urea trade – the Black Sea and Arab Gulf. These flows are said to determine global urea prices.
Urea production involves a two step process where ammonia and carbon dioxide react to form ammonium carbamate which is then dehydrated to urea. In the process, ammonia and carbon dioxide are fed to the synthesis reactor which operates around 180-210°C and 150 bar pressure.
ETHYLEN GLYCOL
CAS number 107-21-1
Ethylene glycol, also called ethane-1,2-diol or MEG, is a colourless, odourless, viscous, hygroscopic sweet-tasting liquid. It is very soluble in water, ethyl alcohol and ethers. It is used widely in paints, lacquers, dyes and inks. Its applications are as an intermediate in the production of polyester fibres and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), as an antifreeze and engine coolant or windscreen wash. It´s hydroscopicity is exploited in some cosmetics, food and pharmaceuticals to retain moisture and for removing moisture from natural gas during its processing. It is also used in some air cooling processes and as a resin in bottling plants.
Ethylene glycol can be produced by reacting ethylene oxide with water or dilute sulphuric acid under pressure at 195˚C. It may also be produced by reacting ethylene chlorohydrin with sodium hydrogencarbonate.
POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC)
Pure Polyvinyl chloride is a brittle white solid and before it can be made into finished products, it always requires conversion into a compound by the incorporation of additives. PVC without plasticizers is known as the rigid form and is used in the construction of pipe, and in profile applications such as doors and windows. It is also used for non-food packaging in bottles and in various other consumer products, such as credit cards.
When used with plasticizers (usually phthalates) PVC becomes a much softer and more flexible substance. As a result it is used in plastic tubing, electrical cable insulation, imitation leather, signage, inflatable products and many applications where it replaces rubber.
POLYPROPYLENE (PP)
Polypropylene is a synthetic resin built up by the polymerization of propylene.
The most common polypropylene – isotactic – is produced at low temperatures and pressures, using Ziegler-Natta catalysts. The polymer shares some of the properties of polyethylene, but it is stronger, stiffer, and harder, and it softens at higher temperatures.
It is usually molded or extruded into products in which toughness, resilience, water resistance, chemical inertness, flexibility and light weight are required. As such it is used in a wide variety of applications including packaging and labelling, textiles (ropes, thermal underwear and carpets), bottles for foods, shampoos, dishwasher-safe food containers, toys, automobile battery casings or outdoor furniture.
POLYETHYLENE (PE)
CAS number 9002-88-4
Polyethylene is a thermoplastic polymer obtained by polymerizing ethylene gas, H2C=CH2, and it is by far the largest volume commercial polymer. This thermoplastic is available in a range of flexibilities and other properties. Its primary use is in packaging (plastic bags, plastic films, geomembranes, containers, bottles, etc.).
SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES)
CAS number 9004-82-4/68585-34-2
Also known as SLES (or even Sodium dodecyl ether sulphate) is a biodegradable clear or yellowish liquid. It is relatively inexpensive and a very effective anionic detergent and foaming agent. That is why it can be found in many personal care products such as soaps, shampoos, toothpaste etc.
It is prepared by ethoxylation of dodecyl alcohol and resulting ethoxylate is converted to a half ester of sulfuric acid, which is neutralized by conversion to the sodium salt. It is very similar to Sodium coco-sulfate, although this is made from less purified coconut oil.
LANOLIN
CAS number 8006-54-0
Lanolin is a yellow waxy substance obtained by molding and subsequent treatment of raw wool. It contains up to 25% of lanolin, which primarily serves as a impregnation and protection against water. On the other hand, lanolin can retain water in a form of emulsion as well, anhydrous lanolin can absorb water about twice its weight.
Chemically is lanolin very similar to human skin lipids that make it perfect for usage in cosmetic and pharmacy, especially emollient and moisturizing products such as creams, soaps and hair care products.
Technical lanolin is an important component of a broad range of industrial applications such as treatment and care of leather goods, final treatment of fibers and wool, environmental friendly anti-corrosive applications for ships, cars and their components (road salt, seawater and acid rain), conservation of pipes, steel ropes or wooden surfaces.
It is also used as a lubricant, biodegradable and non-toxic substitute for mineral oils, as polishing waxes, paints and inks or for finishing of paper. Part of lanolin production is further processed to lanolin derivatives, e.g. by hydrolysis, to fatty acids and alcohols.
ACETIC ACID
CAS number 64-19-7
Acetic acid also named Ethanoic acid is an organic compound (CH3COOH) clear colourless liquid with strong pungent smell and in undiluted form is also called glacial acetic acid. Concentration acetic acid around 8% with other additives is known as Vinegar for food applications.
The main capacity (75%) is made by the carbonylation of methanol and by bacterial fermentation about 10% for food industry. Alternative methods account for the rest.
The largest use of acetic acid is in the production of vinyl acetate , followed by acetic anhydride and esters production (ethyl acetate, buthyl acetate, propyl acetate etc.). The volume of acetic acid used in vinegar is marginal.
BENZENE
CAS number 71-43-2
Benzene is an organic compound as a basic aromatic hydrocarbon, it is a colourless, highly flammable and toxic liquid with a sweet odour and carcinogenic effects.
On an industrial scale, the main volume of benzene is produced from crude oil, only a small part of the total capacity is obtained by fractional distillation of tar in a coal production.
Benzene is one of the most important sources of raw materials with very wide applications. The main use is in the processing of polymers (Polystyrenes, Polycarbonates, Epoxies, Nylons, Rubbers, etc.). In the other fields are used for production Lubricants, Dyes, Detergents, Drugs, Explosives and Pesticides.