ORTHOXYLENE • PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE

Orthoxylene is a base petrochemical produced along with paraxylene from a mixed xylenes stream. By far its major application is in the production of phthalic anhydride. There is a small but steady usage for the production of bactericides, herbicides for soya bean crops, lube oil additives and 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and its dimethyl ester.

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Mixed xylenes is an aromatic usually extracted from reformate, but it can also be obtained via toluene disproportionation. Mixed xylenes can be separated into three different isomers: paraxylene, orthoxylene and metaxylene, with paraxylene being the isomer of highest demand. Mixed xylenes can also be used directly for blending into gasoline or as a solvent.

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Over 70% of the phthalic anhydride production is based on orthoxylene with the remainder using naphthalene feedstock. Phthalate plasticisers are the most important and largest end-use for phthalic anhydride. The other main uses are in unsaturated polyester resins, alkyd resins and various other applications.

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Unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) production is based on phthalic anhydride, isophthalic acid, maleic anhydride, styrene monomer and glycols. Polyester resins represent around 10% of styrene and over half of maleic anhydride consumption, globally. Applications include the construction and marine sectors, as well as pipes and tanks.

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Polyester polyols are produced by the condensation of a glycol and a dicarboxylic acid or acid derivative. The three general types of polyester polyols are manufactured from aliphatic diacids, aromatic diacids or caprolactone. Raw materials include phthalic anhydride and adipic acid. The functionality, structure and molecular weight of the polyester polyol differ depending on the type of polyurethane application. In some applications, polyester polyols compete with polyether polyols. Uses include rigid foam for use in the construction/insulation market and performance coatings, elastomers and flexible foams.

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