The dominant route for the manufacture of ACN is the one-step propylene ammoxidation process, replacing the original acetylene-based technology. Propylene, ammonia and air are reacted in a fluidised bed reactor to produce ACN with acetonitrile and hydrogen cyanide as by-products. The original catalyst consisted of bismuth phosphomolybdate on silica, but recent catalyst developments have improved yields and can boost capacity of existing plants by 20%. The domination of licensed technology by BP Chemicals (Sohio) ended in 1995 when Solutia (Monsanto) licensed its technology to Tae Kwong in South Korea.
New technology based on propane ammoxidation is being developed by a number of producers with claims of a 30% production cost advantage compared to the propylene route. Asahi Kasei has commercialised its propane-based process by converting an existing 70,000 tonnes/year line to propane in Ulsan, South Korea, at its subsidiary Tongsuh Petrochemical. Ineos (formerly BP Chemicals) has built a propane demonstration unit which is integrated with its Green Lake, Texas, facilities. Mitsubishi Chemical with BOC has tested a propane process at Mizushima, Japan.
Acrylonitrile
Price Reports
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Acrylonitrile
Uses and Outlook
Acrylonitrile (ACN) is used mainly as a monomer or comonomer in the production of synthetic fibres, plastics and elastomers. The largest outlet is in the manufacture of acrylic fibres, which are soft and light with warm tactile feeling similar to wool fibres. Hence they are used in clothing such as sweaters and jumpers, socks and sports wear. Acrylic fibres also have uses in home furnishings and bedding such as carpets, upholstery, cushions and blankets.
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