What are the basic chemical intermediates?
News 2025-04-07
1. Hydrocarbon Intermediates
- Ethylene (C₂H₄)
- Source: Produced via petroleum cracking or natural gas separation.
- Applications: Used to manufacture polyethylene (PE), ethylene oxide (EO), styrene (plastic precursor), and ethanol.
- Significance: The most-produced organic chemical intermediate globally.
- Propylene (C₃H₆)
- Applications: Key for polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile (synthetic fibers), and propylene oxide (polyurethane precursor).
- Benzene (C₆H₆)
- Applications: Used to produce styrene, cyclohexane (nylon precursor), and nitrobenzene (dye intermediate).
2. Oxygen-containing Compounds
- Methanol (CH₃OH)
- Source: Synthesized from syngas (CO + H₂) via catalytic reactions.
- Applications: Precursor for formaldehyde (resins), acetic acid (solvent), and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE, gasoline additive).
- Ethylene Oxide (C₂H₄O)
- Applications: Produces ethylene glycol (antifreeze, polyester fibers), surfactants, and ethanolamines.
- Acetic Acid (CH₃COOH)
- Applications: Used to synthesize vinyl acetate (adhesives), terephthalic acid (PET plastic), and pharmaceutical intermediates.
3. Nitrogen-containing Compounds
- Ammonia (NH₃)
- Source: Synthesized via the Haber-Bosch process (N₂ + H₂).
- Applications: Produces nitric acid, urea (fertilizer), and nitriles (e.g., acrylonitrile).
- Nitric Acid (HNO₃)
- Applications: Manufactures ammonium nitrate (explosives, fertilizer) and nitrobenzene (dyes, pharmaceuticals).
- Aniline (C₆H₅NH₂)
- Applications: Key for MDI (polyurethane precursor), azo dyes, and pharmaceuticals (e.g., paracetamol).
4. Aromatic Derivatives
- Toluene (C₆H₅CH₃)
- Applications: Produces benzene, nitrotoluene (TNT explosive), and isocyanates (polyurethanes).
- Xylene (C₆H₄(CH₃)₂)
- Applications: Synthesizes terephthalic acid (PET plastic), solvents, and plasticizers.
- Phenol (C₆H₅OH)
- Applications: Manufactures bisphenol-A (epoxy resins, polycarbonates), nylon, and disinfectants.
5. Halogenated Hydrocarbons
- Vinyl Chloride (C₂H₃Cl)
- Applications: Precursor for polyvinyl chloride (PVC plastic).
- Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl₄)
- Applications: Formerly used as a solvent and refrigerant; now restricted due to toxicity, mainly for specialized chemical synthesis.
6. Carbonyl Compounds
- Formaldehyde (HCHO)
- Source: Produced via methanol oxidation.
- Applications: Synthesizes resins (urea-formaldehyde, phenol-formaldehyde), disinfectants, and textile treatments.
- Acetone ((CH₃)₂CO)
- Applications: Solvent, precursor for bisphenol-A (polycarbonates) and methyl methacrylate (plexiglass).
7. Other Key Intermediates
- Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄)
- Applications: Fertilizer production (superphosphates), petroleum refining, and metal processing.
- Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)
- Applications: Manufactures acrylonitrile (synthetic fibers) and adiponitrile (nylon 6,6 precursor).
Core Roles of Chemical Intermediates
- Industrial Bridge: Link raw materials (e.g., petroleum, natural gas) to end products like plastics, fibers, and pharmaceuticals.
- Diverse Applications: Span agriculture (fertilizers), industry (plastics, rubber), medicine (APIs), and consumer goods (detergents).
- Innovation Drivers: Emerging intermediates (e.g., bio-based succinic acid) promote sustainable chemical processes.
Summary
Basic chemical intermediates—including hydrocarbons, oxygen/nitrogen compounds, and aromatics—are foundational to industrial chemistry. They enable the production of plastics, fibers, pharmaceuticals, and daily essentials. Understanding their properties and applications is crucial for optimizing manufacturing and advancing material science.
