Petrochemicals are chemical products derived from petroleum. Some
chemical compounds made from petroleum are also obtained from other
fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas, or renewable sources such as
corn or sugar cane.
The two most common petrochemical classes are olefins (including
ethylene and propylene) and aromatics (including benzene, toluene and
xylene isomers). Oil refineries produce olefins and aromatics by fluid
catalytic cracking of petroleum fractions. Chemical plants produce
olefins by steam cracking of natural gas liquids like ethane and
propane. Aromatics are produced by catalytic reforming of naphtha.
Olefins and aromatics are the building-blocks for a wide range of
materials such as solvents, detergents, and adhesives. Olefins are the
basis for polymers and oligomers used in plastics, resins, fibers,
elastomers, lubricants, and gels.
Primary petrochemicals are divided into three groups depending on their chemical structure:
• Olefins includes ethylene, propylene, and butadiene. Ethylene and
propylene are important sources of industrial chemicals and plastics
products. Butadiene is used in making synthetic rubber.
• Aromatics includes benzene, toluene, and xylenes. Benzene is a raw
material for dyes and synthetic detergents, and benzene and toluene for
isocyanates MDI and TDI used in making polyurethanes. Manufacturers use
xylenes to produce plastics and synthetic fibers.
• Synthesis gas is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen used to
make ammonia and methanol. Ammonia is used to make the fertilizer urea
and methanol is used as a solvent and chemical intermediate.
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