Benzene is the largest volume aromatic petrochemical used to produce a number of petrochemical intermediates such as ethylbenzene for styrene production, cumene for phenol and acetone, cyclohexane and nitrobenzene.
Global benzene markets have seen considerable tightness in supply since 2004 but a major increased in capacity growth is planned or being implemented. As a consequence, benzene prices have seen considerable volatility.
The main sources of benzene are from the steam cracking or catalytic reforming of liquid petroleum feedstocks, primarily naphtha, where the benzene is recovered from the aromatics stream. Other processes are hydrodealkylation (HDA) of toluene and toluene disproportionation (TDP).
Benzene is a colourless, refractive liquid with a characteristic aromatic odour. Benzene vapour is toxic and highly flammable. As it is a suspected carcinogen, general care must be exercised when handling benzene.
Benzene
Price Reports
ICIS pricing gives you access on a weekly or real time basis to the latest price movements and critical market commentary on the Benzene market. Click below to see a quarterly market overview.
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Benzene
Uses and Outlook
Benzene is the largest-volume aromatic used to produce a number of petrochemical intermediates such as ethylbenzene for styrene production, cumene for phenol and acetone, cyclohexane and nitrobenzene.
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Benzene
Process Technologies
The traditional method of manufacturing benzene from the distillation of light oils produced during the manufacture of coke has been overtaken by a number of processes. The main sources now are from catalytic reforming or steam cracking of liquid petroleum feedstocks, as well as the hydrodealkylation (HDA) of toluene and toluene disproportionation (TDP).
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