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PETROL OF DRUGS ARE PETROCHEMICALS

NEHA BHATT, HINAL MEHTA, JAINIK KHAMAR, PAVAN CHAUDHARY, KINSUK SARKER,

DEBOJYOTI BASU AND PROF. DR. DHRUBO JYOTI SEN

Shri Sarvajanik Pharmacy College, Gujarat Technological University, Arvind Baug, Mehsana -384001, Gujarat, India

Accepted Date: 28/08/2015; Published Date: 27/10/2015

Abstract: The prefix "petro-" is an arbitrary abbreviation of the word "petroleum"; since "petro-" is Ancient Greek for "rock" and "oleum" means "oil". Therefore, the etymologically correct term would be "oleochemicals". However, the term oleochemical is used to describe

chemicals derived from plant and animal fats. Petrochemical solutions and petrochemicals are the 2nd phase products and solutions that originate from crude oil, following a number of

refining methods. Crude oil works as the fundamental ingredient which offers petrochemical products and byproducts after an extensive procedure of refining which takes place in various

oil refineries. The major byproducts and solutions which are instantly generated by crude oil after the refining process takes place include the following: Diesel fuel, Asphalt, Gasoline, Fuel

oil, Lubricating oil, Kerosene, LPG (Liquefied petroleum gas), Paraffin wax, Petrochemicals, Tar. Products Made from Petrochemicals include plastics, soaps, detergents, solvents (such as paint

thinner), paints, drugs, fertilizer, pesticides, explosives, synthetic fibers and rubbers and flooring and insulating materials. Petrochemicals are found in such common products as aspirin, cars, clothing, compact discs, video tapes, electronic equipment, furniture and much

more.

Keywords: Olefin, Ethylene, Propylene, Chloroethylene, C4 hydrocarbons, Toluene, Xylene, Benzene, Vinyl acetate, Hydrocarbon, Naphtha, Acetyl, Acrylonitrile, Polymers, Propylene

oxide, Polyol

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Dhrubo Jyoti Sen, IJPRBS, 2015; Volume 4(5): 83-101

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INTRODUCTION

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.

Figure-1: Petrochemical pilot plant

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. Global ethylene and propylene production are about 115 million tonnes and 70 million

tonnes per annum, respectively. Aromatics production is approximately 70 million tonnes. The

largest petrochemical industries are located in the USA and Western Europe; however, major

growth in new production capacity is in the Middle East and Asia. There is substantial inter-

regional petrochemical trade.

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 include 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.[1]

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The following is a partial list of the major commercial petrochemicals and their derivatives:

Chemicals produced from ethylene:

Ethylene Polyethylene Ethanol Ethylene oxide Ethylene glycol

Polyesters Glycol ether Vinyl acetate

Figure-2: Ethylene derivatives

1. Ethylene - the simplest olefin; used as a chemical feedstock and ripening stimulant

2. Polyethylene - polymerized ethylene

3. Ethanol - via ethylene hydration (chemical reaction adding water) of ethylene

4. Ethylene oxide - via ethylene oxidation

5. Ethylene glycol - via ethylene oxide hydration

6. Engine coolant - ethylene glycol, water and inhibitor mixture

7. Polyesters - any of several polymers with ester linkages in the backbone chain

8. Glycol ethers - via glycol condensation

9. Ethoxylates

10. Vinyl acetate

11. 1,2-dichloroethane

1,2-dichloroethane Trichloroethylene Tetrachloroethylene Vinyl chloride Polyvinyl chloride

Figure-3: Chloroethylene derivatives

1. Trichloroethylene

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2. Tetrachloroethylene - also called perchloroethylene; used as a dry cleaning solvent and

degreaser

3. Vinyl chloride - monomer for polyvinyl chloride

4. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - type of plastic used for piping, tubing, other things

Chemicals produced from propylene:

Propylene Isopropyl alcohol Acrylonitrile Polypropylene Propylene oxide Polyether polyol

Propylene glycol Glycol ether Acrylic acid Acrylic polymer Allyl chloride Epichlorohydrin

Epoxy resin Isobutylene 1, 3-butadiene Polybutadiene

Figure-4: Propylene derivatives

1. Propylene - used as a monomer and a chemical feedstock

2. Isopropyl alcohol - 2-propanol; often used as a solvent or rubbing alcohol

3. Acrylonitrile - useful as a monomer in forming Orlon, ABS

4. Polypropylene - polymerized propylene

5. Propylene oxide

6. Polyether polyol - used in the production of polyurethanes

7. Propylene glycol - used in engine coolant and aircraft deicer fluid

8. Glycol ethers - from condensation of glycols

9. Acrylic acid

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10. Acrylic polymers

11. Allyl chloride -

12. Epichlorohydrin - chloro-oxirane; used in epoxy resin formation

13. Epoxy resins - a type of polymerizing glue from bisphenol A, epichlorohydrin and some

amine

C4 hydrocarbons - a mixture consisting of butanes, butylenes and butadienes

Isomers of butylene - useful as monomers or co-monomers

Isobutylene - feed for making methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) or monomer for copolymerization

with a low percentage of isoprene to make butyl rubber

1,3-butadiene (or buta-1,3-diene) - a diene often used as a monomer or co-monomer for

polymerization to elastomers such as polybutadiene, styrene-butadiene rubber, or a plastic

such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). synthetic rubbers - synthetic elastomers made of

any one or more of several petrochemical (usually) monomers such as 1,3-butadiene, styrene,

isobutylene, isoprene, chloroprene; elastomeric polymers are often made with a high

percentage of conjugated diene monomers such as 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, or chloroprene

α-olefin Benzene Ethyl benzene Styrene Polystyrene Cumene Phenol Acetone

Bisphenol A Polycarbonate Cyclohexane Adipic acid

Polyamide Caprolactam Nitrobenzene Aniline

Figure-5: C4 hydrocarbons

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1. Higher olefins

2. Polyolefins such poly-alpha-olefins, which are used as lubricants

3. α-olefins - used as monomers, co-monomers and other chemical precursors. For example, a

small amount of 1-4. hexene can be copolymerized with ethylene into a more flexible form of

polyethylene.

5. Other higher olefins

6. Detergent alcohols

Chemicals produced from benzene

1. Benzene - the simplest aromatic hydrocarbon

2. Ethyl benzene - made from benzene and ethylene

3. Styrene made by dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene; used as a monomer

4. Polystyrenes - polymers with styrene as a monomer

5. Cumene - isopropylbenzene; a feedstock in the cumene process

6. Phenol - hydroxybenzene; often made by the cumene process

7. Acetone - dimethyl ketone; also often made by the cumene process

8. Bisphenol A - a type of "double" phenol used in polymerization in epoxy resins and making a

common type of polycarbonate.

9. Epoxy resins - a type of polymerizing glue from bisphenol A, epichlorohydrin and some amine

10. Polycarbonate - a plastic polymer made from bisphenol A and phosgene (carbonyl

dichloride)

11. Solvents - liquids used for dissolving materials; examples often made from petrochemicals

include ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, benzene, toluene, xylenes.

12. Cyclohexanone - a 6-carbon aliphatic cyclic hydrocarbon sometimes used as a non-polar

solvent

13. Adipic acid - a 6-carbon dicarboxylic acid, which can be a precursor used as a co-monomer

together with a diamine to form an alternating copolymer form of nylon.

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13. Nylons - types of polyamides, some are alternating copolymers formed from copolymerizing

dicarboxylic acid or derivatives with diamines.

14. Caprolactam - a 6-carbon cyclic amide

15. Nylons - types of polyamides, some are from polymerizing caprolactam.

16. Nitrobenzene - can be made by single nitration of benzene

17. Aniline - aminobenzene

18. Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) - used as a co-monomer with diols or polyols to

form polyurethanes or with di- or polyamines to form polyureas.

Sulfonate surfactant Chlorobenzene Toluene

Toluene diisocyanate Xylenes

Figure-6: Toluene derivatives

1. Alkylbenzene - a general type of aromatic hydrocarbon, which can be used as a presursor for

a sulfonate surfactant (detergent).

2. Detergents - often include surfactants types such as alkylbenzenesulfonates and nonylphenol

ethoxylates chlorobenzene.

Chemicals produced from toluene:

1. Toluene - methylbenzene; can be a solvent or precursor for other chemicals

2. Benzene

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3. Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) - used as co-monomers with polyether polyols to form

polyurethanes or with di- or polyamines to form polyureas polyurethanes.

4. Benzoic acid - carboxybenzene

5. Caprolactam

6. Nylon

Chemicals produced from xylenes:

1. Mixed xylenes - any of three dimethylbenzene isomers, could be a solvent but more often

precursor chemicals

2. ortho-xylene - both methyl groups can be oxidized to form (ortho-)phthalic acid, phthalic

anhydride.

3. para-xylene - both methyl groups can be oxidized to form terephthalic acid

4. Dimethyl terephthalate - can be copolymerized to form certain polyesters.

5. Polyesters - although there can be many types, polyethylene terephthalate is made from

petrochemical products and is very widely used.

6. Purified terephthalic acid - often copolymerized to form polyethylene terephthalate

7. Polyesters

8. meta-xylene

9. Isophthalic acid

10. Alkyd resins

11. Polyamide Resins

12. Unsaturated Polyesters

Isophthalic acid Terephthalic acid Alkyd resin

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Polyamide resins Unsaturated polyesters

Figure-7: Xylene derivatives

Products made from petrochemicals

Given below are the names of the products manufactured from petrochemicals - soaps,

plastics, solvents (like paint thinner), detergents, drugs, paints, insect repellents, explosives,

synthetic fibers, manure, rubbers and tiles and insulating objects. Petrochemicals are present in

many familiar products like vehicles, aspirin, compact discs, garments, electronic equipment,

video tapes, furniture and the like.

A number of drugs like penicillin are manufactured through fungi and microbes. However, the

majority is manufactured from chemicals and a significant number of these medicines are

manufactured from petroleum goods. ASA, also known as Acetylsalicylic acid, is the key

element in most of the familiar over-the-counter pain medications. Acetylsalicylic acid is made

from petrochemicals. Oil was previously used in the form of a medicine about one or two

thousand years back.[2]

Petrochemicals in Healthcare: An Overview

Petrochemistry is a process which researches on the conversion of petroleum or crude oil and

natural gas into raw materials and helpful products. Petrochemistry makes a huge contribution

to the remarkable advancement attained in the 20th century in the fields of universal healthcare

and sanitation.

For instance,

1. Phenol and Cumene are utilized in the form of a preparatory substance for manufacturing

penicillin and aspirin. Penicillin is one of the extensively used antibiotic agents which are

utilized to cure a number of ailments like spinal meningitis, pneumonia, diphtheria and throat

infections.

2. A number of petrochemical resins have applications in drug purification procedure. This

method assists in the cost-cutting procedure and simplifies the bulk medicine manufacturing

process.

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3. These know-how and resins are applied in manufacturing antibiotics and in devising

treatments curing diseases like AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), arthritis and

different types of cancer.

4. Severely wounded people can recuperate a significant degree of mobility as a result of using

artificial limbs and joints which have been manufactured with resins and plastics originating

from petrochemicals.

5. Plastics are a necessary component for manufacturing bottles for keeping vaccines or blood,

disposable syringes and other equipments that are utilized just once to get rid of the threat of

contagion.[3]

Products made using different chemicals:

Pesticides/Fertilizers: All important marketable composts are ammonia-based and are

manufactured from natural gas. In addition, the majority of marketable insect repellents are

manufactured from petroleum.

Detergent: Every type of soap less detergent applied for cleaning dishes and garments

originates from the petrochemical glycerin.

Food Preservatives: Food preservatives originate from petrochemicals and they assist to

enhance the time period of canned food.

Medicine (capsule bottles): ASA, or Acetylsalicylic acid is the key element in various over-the-

counter pain medications and it is manufactured from petrochemicals.

Polymers: Specially made polymers are currently being used in healthcare system in an

extensive manner, for instance in cardiac surgery, or for auditory or visual stimulators. The

major issue is the bio-compatibility of plastic with the human body.

Dyes: Most of the dyes that we use, starting from hair dye to pens, are derived from

petrochemicals.

Plastics: Every type of plastic is manufactured or derived from petrochemicals. Each commodity

which is manufactured by plastic or comprises plastic is an article that is present only via the

refining of petroleum. Plastic is used to manufacture thin catheters or tubes for unclogging

blood vessels, prosthesis (orthopedic devices), artificial corneas, hearing aids and pill capsules.

Different types of petrochemicals

Aromatic – Aromatic is a natural compound typified by several double bonds and a circular

shape, similar to the benzene ring. These petrochemicals are quite steady since the double

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bonds are coupled, suggesting that the carbon-to-carbon bonds enter a form of single bond,

then double bond, then single, then double and so on.

Ethylene – Ethylene is a colorless, combustible gas which is made up of just two carbons with

double bonds to each other. Ethylene is one of the key olefins and applied to a significant

degree in chemical production and to manufacture various categories of plastic like the plastic

utilized for making water bottles.

Benzene – Benzene is a colorless, explosive and combustible fluid applied significantly in

organic chemistry in the form of a foundation to which various molecular compositions and

atoms can join. Benzene is applied for manufacturing drugs, fertilizers, pesticides and various

other helpful materials. In addition, it is applied in the form of a dissolving agent and ingredient

in car fuels.

Hydrocarbon – Hydrocarbon is a common word form with reference to organic chemicals and is

distinguished by different hydrogen and carbon molecular arrangements. Hydrocarbon is the

familiar expression applied to denote petrochemicals.

Olefin – Olefins are also known as Alkenes. They are types of hydrocarbons that are categorized

by containing one double bond as a minimum; in particular, any of a sequence of acyclic

hydrocarbons like ethylene.

Naphthenic – Napthenic is any of the different explosive, usually combustible, fluid

hydrocarbon combinations distinguished by concentrated circular formations that are

principally applied in the form of dissolving agents and thinners.

Propylene – Proplylene is a combustible, three-carbon, vaporific atom bearing a double-bond.

It is a different form of olefin utilized in natural compound preparation. It works as a foundation

for manufacturing polypropylene fibers that are applied in superior garments, floor coverings

and other goods.

Organic – Organic compounds incorporate carbon molecules attached to other hydrogen

molecules, carbon molecules, or other replacements for hydrogen (for instance sulfur,

halogens, nitrogen and so on).

Synthesis gas – Synthesis gas is a blend of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. It is particularly

used in chemical mixture for manufacturing organic compounds.

Xylenes – They are one of the key fragrant feedstock that is normally derived from natural gas

or petroleum concentrates. They are applied to make artificial fibers and plastics in the form of

a dissolving agent and in the combination of gasoline.[4]

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Petrochemical Companies: Barauni Petrochemicals, Bayer ABS, Cetex Petro, Chemplast

Sanmar, Cochin Refineries, Digboi Petrochemicals, Finolex Industries, Guwahati Petrochemicals,

Haldia Petrochemicals, Haldia Petrochemicals Plant, IBP, IG Petrochemicals, Petroleum

Corporation, Mangalore Petrochemicals, Mathura Petrochemicals, Mumbai Petrochemicals,

NOCIL, Panipat Petrochemical, Reliance Industries, South Asian Petrochem, SPIC, SRF, Vadodara

Petrochemicals Plant, Hazira Petrochemicals, Vishakapatnam Petrochemicals Plant.

Petrochemical Industry: Aromatics, Building and Construction, Chemical sector,

Communications, Electrical Industry, Electronic Industry, Food Processing Industry, Inorganic

Chemical segment, Methacrylates, Methanol Organic Chemical Segment, Pharmaceutical

industry, Printing Industry, Textile Industry.[4]

Petrochemical Product:

Acetyls: This site provides detailed information on the Acetyls. It also focuses on other factors

that contributed to the growth of Acetyls in India.

Acetyls are organic compounds that are being produced by reacting acetic acid. The acetic acid

used for the production of Acetyls is made by reacting carbon monoxide with methanol.

CO + CH3OH

Further, methanol can also be used to produce acetic acid and formaldehyde. Acetyls like vinyl

acetate monomer (VAM) are also produced when acetic acid is made to react with ethylene.

Figure-8: Oleo chemicals products

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Acetic acid is used in the production of - Vinyl Acetate Monomer, PET bottles, Films, Paints,

Plastics, Pharmaceuticals. Vinyl Acetate Monomer or VAM is used to manufacture the following

- Paints, Adhesives, Film packaging, Magnetic wire insulation.

The Indian Acetyls production growth is quite fascinating. The Acetyls that are being produced

in India are at par with world standard. Thus, India shares a good portion of Acetyls business in

world market. Asian, African and even Arab countries buy Indian Acetyls. The demand for

Indian Acetyls is high mainly because of its quality and competitive pricing. India's low cost and

high end Acetyls manufacturing expertise coupled with developing world class infrastructure is

the main leveraging factor for the rise of this industry. Further, with the consolidation of the

infrastructure development this industry will be big success in years to come. India offers

Acetyls at a substantial discount than its western counterparts while delivering the same class

of output. Like, in the western countries the rates are few times higher than what it costs in

India. Petrochemicals products that India produces are -

Basic chemicals are - Ethylene, Propylene, Butadiene, Styrene, Benzene, Toluene, Orthoxylene,

Paraxylene, Mixed xylenes, Ethylene oxide.

Chemical intermediate formed are - Monoethylene glycol, Phthalic anhydride, DMT, Vinyl

Chloride, Caprolactin, Acrylonitrile, Linear Alkyl Benzene.

Synthetic Fiber obtained are - Acrylic fiber, Nylon filament yarn, DMT, Polyester staple fiber,

Polyester filaments yarn

Polymers are - LDPE/LLDPE, HDPE, PVC, Polystyrene, Polypropylene.

Synthetic Rubber - Styrene butadiene, Poly butadiene.

Acrylonitrile: Acrylonitrile or 2-propenenitrile or propenenitrile or vinyl cyanide or

cyanoethylene has the molecular formula CH2=CH-C≡N. Acrylonitrile is a clear colorless or

slightly yellowish liquid and has a characteristic pungent odor. Acrylonitrile's boiling point is at

77°C and melting point is at -83°C. Specific gravity of Acrylonitrile is 0.806 and its vapor

pressure is 83mm Hg at 20°C. Acrylonitrile is highly inflammable and gets automatically ignited

at a temperature of around 480°C. Acrylonitrile is also extremely unstable and is kept in a stable

condition with the help of 4-ethoxyphenyl. Acrylonitrile reacts vigorously to acids, bases,

oxidizing agents, amines and bromine. Moreover, it is also photo sensitive.

Acrylonitrile is used for the production of - Plastics, Surface coatings, Nitrile elastomers, Barrier

resins, Adhesives, Intermediate for synthesis of various Antioxidants, Pharmaceuticals, Dyes,

Surface-active agents, Fumigant for food commodities, Flour milling, Bakery food processing.

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The characteristics of Acrylonitrile are as follows: Carcinogen, Mutagen. Inhalation or ingestion

is dangerous and can lead to extreme condition and even death, Causes irritation, It is harmful

to the environment, Causes long-term adverse effects.

Proper protective gear should be worn before handling of Acrylonitrile. Further, proper

ventilation arrangements should be made at the storage and handling sites. The Indian

Acrylonitrile production growth is quite fascinating. The Acrylonitrile that is being produced in

India is at par with world standards. Thus, India shares a good portion of the worldwide

production of Acrylonitrile. Asian, African and even Arab countries buy Indian Acrylonitrile. The

demand for Indian Acrylonitrile is high mainly because of its quality and competitive pricing.

India's low cost and high end Acrylonitrile manufacturing expertise coupled with developing

world class infrastructure is the main leveraging factor for the rise of this industry. India offers

Acrylonitrile at a substantial discount than its western counterparts while delivering the same

quality of output.

The advantages of manufacturing high class Acrylonitrile in India are - Friendly government of

India policies, Low cost labor, Low and world class infrastructure, Strong technical education. [5]

Basic Acrylic Monomer: Acrylic acid is used as an industrial intermediate product. Acrylic acid is

either transformed directly into a polyacrylate or polymerised via the intermediate stage of an

acrylate ester. Almost half of the crude acrylic acid is processed and purified to obtain acrylic

acid in glacial form. This glacial acrylic acid is further processed. The remaining half of crude

acrylic acid is treated and processed to obtain different acrylate esters, according to the

industrial needs. These acrylic esters are identical in properties to glacial acrylic acid. Further,

these acrylic esters serve the commercial requirements such as the demand for glacial acrylic

acid. Moreover, these acrylic acids are derived as res idual monomers and are an important

constituent of consumer products, like - Adhesives, Paints, Binding agents, Printing inks, Acrylic

acid and basic alkyl esters or methyl, ethyl, butyl and 2-ethylhexyl esters are used to produce -

Polymer dispersions, Adhesives, Super absorbent polymers, Flocculants, Detergents, Varnishes,

Fibers, Plastic intermediates, Chemical intermediates.

The Indian basic acrylic monomer production growth is quite fascinating. The basic acrylic

monomers that are being produced in India are at par with the global standards. Thus, India

contributes a good portion to the basic acrylic monomer business in the world market. Asian,

African and even Arab countries buy Indian basic acrylic monomers. The demand for Indian

basic acrylic monomers is high mainly because of its quality and competitive pricing. India's low

cost and high-end basic acrylic monomer manufacturing expertise, coupled with developing

world-class infrastructure is the main leveraging factor for the rise of this industry. Further, with

the consolidation of the infrastructure development, this industry is poised to scale greater

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heights in the near future. India offers basic acrylic monomers at a substantial discount

compared to its western counterparts, while delivering the same quality of output. In the US

and Europe for example, the prices are few times higher than what it costs in India.

Petrochemicals products that India produces are - Basic chemicals such as Ethylene, Propylene,

Butadiene, Styrene, Benzene, Toluene, Orthoxylene, Paraxylene, Mixed xylenes and Ethylene

oxide.

Chemical intermediate such as Monoethylene glycol, Phthalic anhydride, DMT, Vinyl Chloride,

Caprolactin, Acrylonitrile and Linear Alkyl Benzene. Synthetic fiber such as Acrylic fiber, Nylon

filament yarn, Polyester staple fiber and Polyester filaments yarn. Polymers such as LDPE,

LLDPE, HDPE, PVC, Polystyrene and Poly propylene. Synthetic rubber such as Styrene butadiene

and Poly butadiene.

The advantages of manufacturing high class Basic Acrylic Monomer in India are - Friendly

government ofIndia policies, Low cost labour, Low and world class infrastructure, Strong

technical education, Large number of science and engineering graduates, Quality output, Highly

skilled workforce, Usage of innovative process, Good client relationships, Huge scope for

innovation, Expansion of existing relationships, Huge demand in overseas markets, Availability

of more technical work force, Increased number and quality of training facilities.

Coal Chemicals: Coal chemicals are obtained during the processing of metallurgical coke from

coal. The aromatic compounds that are obtained as by-products during such processing are

used as intermediates during the process of synthesis of some solvents, dyes, drugs and

antiseptics. Most of the by-products of coal chemicals are used as fuel.

So far, many chemical compounds have been identified and isolated from coal tar, which is a

by-product of coal chemicals. Coal chemicals are typically mixtures of - Methane, Carbon

monoxide, Hydrogen, Small amounts of higher hydrocarbons, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.

Coal Chemicals by-products are - Gas, Light oil, Tar. Some aromatic hydrocarbons like toluene

and xylene, are now largely produced from petroleum refineries by-products. Further, coal

chemicals by-products like benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene pyridines and

quinolines are not obtained from petroleum refineries. Furthermore, a substantial quantity of

phenol, cresols and xylenols are still obtained as by-products of coal chemicals.

The development of coal chemicals in India is quite fascinating. The wide bandwidth of coal

chemicals products that are being produced in India are at par with world standards. Thus, India

shares a good portion of the worldwide coal chemical output. Asian, African and even Arab

countries buy Indian coal chemicals products. The demand for Indian coal chemicals product is

high mainly because of its quality and competitive pricing. India's low cost and high end coal

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chemicals product manufacturing expertise coupled with developing world class infrastructure

is the main leveraging factor for the rise of this industry. Further, with the consolidation of the

infrastructure development, this industry will be a big success in years to come. India offers coal

chemicals products at a substantial discount compared to its western counterparts.

Petrochemicals products that India produces are - Basic chemicals such as Ethylene, Propylene,

Butadiene, Styrene, Benzene, Toluene, Orthoxylene, Paraxylene, Mixed xylenes and Ethylene

oxide.

Chemical intermediate such as Monoethylene glycol, Phthalic anhydride, DMT, Vinyl Chloride,

Caprolactin, Acrylonitrile and Linear Alkyl Benzene.

Synthetic fiber such as Acrylic fiber, Nylon filament yarn, Polyester staple fiber and Polyester

filaments yarn

Polymers such as LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PVC, Polystyrene and Poly propylene

Synthetic rubber such as Styrene butadiene and Poly butadiene

Polymers: Polymers account for around 70% of petrochemicals and that is the reason that they

are the most important constituent of the Indian chemical industry. Polymers are essentially

used in the manufacture of various plastic products. In the consumption of the basic

petrochemical, polymers form the bulk of demand with a share of around 55%. The share of

polymers in the product mix in India for various crackers ranges from 60% to 90%. The segment

of polymers have registered a growth of 18% while there have been an increase of 26% in the

capacities CAGR.

The various byproducts of polymers are: Polystyrene, PVC, Poly propylene, LDPE/LLDPE, HDPE

Polystyrene, a byproduct of polymers has a 435 crore market size. Its market price was around

42.5 per kg in 1999. The major companies involved in the production of polystyrene are

Rajasthan Polymers, Mc Dowell & Co. and Supreme Petrochem. PVC, a polymers byproduct, is

in demand in the Indian market at 554,000 tons per annum.

This segment has been growing at the rate of 15% yearly. Around 54% of PVC is used in the

manufacturing of pipes and 14% is used in the production of cable sheathing. The cost of PVC

was 44.95 per kg in 1999. The main companies involved in the production of PVC are IPCL and

RIL.

In India, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) are also

widely used polymers. This segment of polymers is growing at the rate of 12% per year. More

than 50% of LDPE/ LLDPE is used by the packaging industry and they were priced at around

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54.25 per kg in 1999. The companies which make LDPE/ LLDPE are Oswal, RIL and IPCL. The

second most used polymer in India is HDPE, with a share of 22%. The value of its domestic

consumption is 2, 123 crore and it is growing at the rate of 15% per year. It cost around ` 50 per

kg in 1999. HDPE is used in the manufacturing of raffia, blow molding, injection molding and in

the paper industry as well. The companies involved in the production of HDPE are NOCIL, RIL

and IPCL.

Polymers form an important constituent of the Indian petrochemical industry. So efforts must

be taken by the industry and the government of India, so that the production and quality of

polymers remain top class.

Propylene oxide: Propylene oxide is an important intermediary product of the petrochemical

industry. It is used for many of the end use products. Propylene oxide is a reactive liquid which

is colorless and smells like ether. Propylene oxide is used in polymer production and also as an

intermediate for the production of other products. It is a building block for the manufacturing

of a different range of products. There are number of different technologies used in the

production of propylene oxide. Propylene oxide is mainly used in the manufacturing of various

products:

Polyols used for the polyurethane foam (PUF) for the coatings, adhesives and sealants

furniture, refrigerator, automotive industries, Propylene glycol ethers for the use as solvents in

resins, cleaners, waxes paints, inks and coatings, Propylene glycols, even for the production of

unsaturated polyester resins transportation, automotive, marine industries, and, construction,

Propylene glycols used as solvents in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, Propylene glycols is also

used in aircraft de-icers and engine coolants. Butanediol and its related products used for resins

and solvents. Issues on safety, health and environment in the petrochemicals industry are

emerging sciences which are transforming the interests of the stakeholders. So there is a need

for the upgradation in the present technologies to improve the methods of production and

proper management of waste. India has the potential to be one of the key global exporter of

such compounds, with its huge growth in the petrochemical sector

Petrochemical Uses: Automobile industry, Electronics, Petrochemicals in Automobiles,

Petrochemicals in Healthcare, Petrochemicals in Offices, Petrochemicals in Transportation.

Petrochemistry is a science that can readily be applied to fundamental human needs, such as

health, hygiene, housing and food. To many, this comes as a surprise. The word "chemistry"

itself conjures up a world of mystery - what it really does is very much taken for granted. Yet it

is a fascinating science and an inventive business sector, constantly adapting to new

environments and meeting new challenges. Chemicals derived from petroleum or natural gas -

petrochemicals - are an essential part of the chemical industry today. Petrochemistry is a fairly

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young industry; it only started to grow in the 1940s, more than 80 years after the drilling of the

first commercial oil well in 1859. During World War II, the demand for synthetic materials to

replace costly and sometimes less efficient products caused the petrochemical industry to

develop into a major player in today's economy and society.

Before then, it used to be a tentative, experimental sector, starting with basic materials:

synthetic rubbers in the 1900s, Bakelite, the first petrochemical-derived plastic in 1907, the first

petrochemical solvents in the 1920s, polystyrene in the 1930s... And it then moved to an

incredible variety of areas - from household goods (kitchen appliances, textile, furniture) to

medicine (heart pacemakers, transfusion bags), from leisure (running shoes, computers...) to

highly specialised fields like archaeology or crime detection.

However, all this is little known. Petrochemicals do not reach the final consumer - the man in

the street; they are first sold to customer industries, undergo several transformations and then

go into products that seem to bear no relation whatsoever to the initial raw material. As a

result, few of us make the connection between the petrochemical industry and their GP's

equipment, their DVDs, food packaging or computers; few realise the amount of scientific

efforts that went into these commonplace objects. Although benefiting daily from end products

that have been made thanks to the input of the petrochemical industry, more often than not

we see no obvious connection between these everyday commodities and petrochemistry. [6]

CONCLUSION

Petrochemicals are used to manufacture thousands of products people use every day — just

about everything not made from rocks, plants, other living things or metal. These products

include everything made of plastic, medicines and medical devices, cosmetics, furniture,

appliances, TVs and radios, computers, parts used in every mode of transportation, solar power

panels and wind turbines. Petrochemicals are also the building blocks for body armor and other

high-tech materials that are used to protect police officers, firefighters and the men and

women in our armed forces. In addition, petrochemicals are the key raw materials that keep

you safe while driving in your car and make modern communications possible. In fact,

regardless of how you’re viewing this website — on a desktop computer, laptop or smart phone

— the viewing device is made from petrochemicals.

Petrochemicals are derived from ethane, propane, butane and other hydrocarbons extracted

from crude oil and natural gas liquids. Naphtha is also an important petrochemical feedstock.

When hydrocarbons are separated from the other parts of oil and natural gas liquids, it’s fed

into a manufacturing facility that is called a cracker. The facility gets its name because it uses

high temperatures to crack the chemical bonds in hydrocarbon molecules to form useful

chemical building blocks. Ethylene is one of the key petrochemicals that our members

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manufacture. It’s used to make polyethylene — one of the most versatile plastics found in

manufacturing. Petroleum naphtha is an intermediate hydrocarbon liquid stream derived from

the refining of crude oil. It is most usually desulfurized and then catalytically reformed, which

re-arranges or re-structures the hydrocarbon molecules in the naphtha as well as breaking

some of the molecules into smaller molecules to produce a high-octane component of gasoline

(or petrol). There are hundreds of different petroleum crude oil sources worldwide and each

crude oil has its own unique composition or assay. There are also hundreds of petroleum

refineries worldwide and each of them is designed to process either a specific crude oil or

specific types of crude oils. Naphtha is a general term as each refinery produces its own

naphthas with their own unique initial and final boiling points and other physical and

compositional characteristics. Naphthas may also be produced from other material such as coal

tar, shale deposits, tar sands and the destructive distillation of wood. Because it’s one of the

most fundamental building blocks in organic chemistry, ethylene is also used to manufacture an

enormous number of different chemicals. For example, ethylene oxide is used in hospitals to

sterilize life-saving medical equipment that can’t be heated.

REFERENCES

1. Sami Matar and Lewis F. Hatch (2001). Chemistry of Petrochemical Processes. Gulf

Professional Publishing. ISBN 0-88415-315-0.

2. Staff (2001). "Petrochemical Processes 2001". Hydrocarbon Processing: 71–246.

3. http://www.petrochemistry.eu/about-petrochemistry/what-are-petrochemicals.html

4. http://business.mapsofindia.com/india-petroleum-industry/petrochemicals-in-

healthcare.html

5. http://www.afpm.org/petrochemicals/

6. https://chemicalsoup.wordpress.com/2009/04/07/products-made-from-petrochemical/