Propylene oxide (PO) is a highly reactive chemical used as an intermediate for the production of numerous commercial materials. The largest derivative of PO is polyether polyols, one of the main components used in the manufacture of polyurethanes. Propylene glycol (PG) is the second largest PO derivative.
Global demand for PO is forecast to be growing at 4-5%/year, with the strongest growth in China and India. Supply is expected to remain snug until 2008 when major new capacity will come on-stream.
Propylene oxide is made traditionally by chlorohydrin or epoxidation routes. An epoxidation process that had been gaining in popularity due to its superior economics was the propylene oxide/styrene monomer (PO/SM) route. New PO technologies without coproducts are now being commercialised.
Propylene oxide is a very volatile, colourless, flammable liquid with a characteristic ether-like odour. PO reacts violently with chlorine, ammonia, strong oxidants and acids causing fire and explosion hazards.
Propylene oxide
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Propylene oxide
Uses and Outlook
Propylene oxide (PO) is a highly reactive chemical used as an intermediate for the production of numerous commercial materials. The largest derivative of PO is polyether polyols, taking about 60-70% of PO demand. Polyether polyols are one of the main components used in the manufacture of polyurethanes (PUs), which are used in applications such as rigid foam installation and flexible foam seat cushions. World demand for polyols is growing about 5%/year.
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Propylene oxide
Process Technologies
Propylene oxide (PO) is made traditionally by chlorohydrin or epoxidation routes. In the older chlorohydrin process, propylene and chlorine react in the presence of water to form propylene chlorohydrin, which is further reacted with sodium or calcium hydroxide to obtain PO.
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