Oxides

Ethylene oxide (EO) serves as an essential building block in the production of a wide range of its derivatives. A majority of ethylene oxide produced by us is used internally to create ethylene glycols. For example, monoethylene glycol (MEG) is the main substance necessary to produce PET and polyester fibre. Ethylene oxide constitutes a chemical intermediate in the process of synthesis of a multitude of EO derivatives. Examples of such substances are glycol ethers, ethanolamines, and surfactants. Ethylene glycols (MEG/DEG/TEG) are widely used to produce antifreeze, deicing agents, polyester resins, gas drying agents and lubricants.

Propylene Oxide (PO) serves as an essential building block for the creation of many PO derivatives. A majority of propylene oxide produced by our company is consumed internally in the creation of propylene glycols. Monopropylene glycol (MPG) is the largest volume propylene glycol with MPG US Pharmacopeia (USP) being another essential part of our product range. The production of such substances as speciality alkoxylates, propylene glycols, or polyether polyols would not be possible without the use of Propylene Oxide. That is why, PO’s main role is being a chemical intermediate. Our company produces propylene glycol in the form of mono-, di- and tripropylene glycols. We also produce small quantities of higher glycols. PO glycols can be found in a wide range of applications such as pharmaceuticals, deicing formulations, paints and inks.

Ethanolamines belong to the EO derivatives family and are perhaps the most versatile among its members. These bifunctional molecules consist of an amine functional group and an alcohol functional group. That is why they can undergo reactions in both of these groups. These properties make them useful substances in a variety of industrial applications.

Glycol ethers have an ether functional group and an alcohol functional group present in the molecule. This feature allows combining the solubility properties of both groups. Therefore, glycol ethers (including acetate esters) are miscible in water and most common organic solvents. They also are characterised by high dissolubility and low volatility.

Esters are formed as a result of a reaction of acetic acid and alcohol. During such processes alcohol ester and water are created. Such alkyl acetate range includes isopropyl acetate, isobutyl acetate and n-butyl acetate. All of these esters constitute versatile, oxygenated solvents. Their application includes paints, coatings, ink formulations, sealants, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and cleaning formulations. They are also widely used as extraction solvents.

Within the oxo products group, we can distinguish n-butanol, isobutanol and 2-ethylhexanol. An oxide’s chemical formula consists of at least one oxygen atom and one other element. The below chart presents the feedstocks and end products the described process involves.