Base Chemicals and Their Applications in the Petrochemical Industry
Chemicals can generally be classified into two categories based on the type of raw materials used in their production: organic and inorganic. Organic chemicals, such as hydrocarbons, are derived from oil and gas and contain carbon, whereas inorganic chemicals do not contain carbon and consist of a combination of two or more natural components. Among the various types of chemicals, base chemicals are essential raw materials used to produce other chemical products. This article by Raeis Trading introduces base chemicals, their types, and their applications in the petrochemical industry.
What Are Base Chemicals?
Base chemicals are fundamental raw materials used in the production of various products, particularly in the petrochemical industry. These chemicals are vital for manufacturing industrial and consumer goods and play a crucial role in refining and petrochemical processes. Base chemicals are produced in large quantities and in homogeneous forms. They are divided into petrochemical and mineral chemicals. Petrochemical base chemicals supply building blocks such as ethylene, toluene, xylene, methanol, propylene, and butadiene. Inorganic base chemicals, such as ammonia, sulfuric acid, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, and phosphorus, are used to manufacture a wide range of products across various industries.
Types of Base Chemicals
Given the diverse compositions of base chemicals, they cannot be broadly categorized. However, Raeis Trading highlights some of the most common types of base chemicals:
Hydrocarbons
These essential base chemicals include oil, gas, and gasoline and serve as fundamental raw materials in industries such as petrochemicals.
Organic Chemicals
Examples include propylene, C4 compounds, methanol, ethanol, ethylene, acetic acid, and polyurethanes. These chemicals are used in manufacturing paints, resins, cartons, plastics, and more.
Organometallic Chemicals
These include phthalates, amines, and cements, which are utilized in producing paints and plastics.
Inorganic Chemicals
Inorganic base chemicals such as sulfur, sodium, potassium, and aluminum are essential raw materials for various industrial applications.
Key Base Chemicals and Their Industrial Applications
Some of the most widely used and essential base chemicals in industries include:
- Hydrochloric Acid
- Ammonia
- Sulfuric Acid
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Ethylene
- Acetic Acid
- Chlorine
Applications and Importance of Base Chemicals in the Petrochemical Industry
Petrochemical products, while primarily derived from oil, natural gas, and coal, can also be produced using alternative raw materials. For instance, in the Middle East and Iran, ethylene is produced from oil and gas, whereas Brazil uses biomass for ethylene production. Hydrocarbons in crude oil and natural gas are separated in distillation units based on their boiling points and converted into more versatile hydrocarbons like branched-chain alkanes, alkenes, and aromatics for industrial applications.
Although only a limited number of chemicals are directly derived from natural gas or oil without processing, refined hydrocarbons like ethane, propane, and diesel are used as feedstocks for producing other chemicals and products. These processed hydrocarbons are further refined into critical chemicals like benzene and ethylene, forming the backbone of the petrochemical industry. Additives such as chlorine are introduced during subsequent processing stages to enhance the properties of hydrocarbon compounds.
Base chemicals in the petrochemical industry either serve as direct feedstocks, like gasoline and ethanol, or are processed into more complex products like phenol for broader applications. Raeis Trading underscores the significance of base chemicals as indispensable materials in petrochemicals and other industries.
Conclusion
Research by Raeis Trading reveals that the demand for base chemicals has grown significantly with advancements in various industries. Base chemicals form the foundation for producing a wide range of chemical products and include primary chemicals like chlorine and sodium, solvents and drilling chemicals like water and bentonite, and industrial chemicals such as caustic soda, alkalis, and refined oil. The petrochemical industry, as a major source of non-oil revenues in Iran, is a critical sector driving domestic industrial growth and localization of downstream industries. As a result, petrochemical facilities use large volumes of base chemicals, making them one of the most vital components of the sector.
