Petrochemicals
Petrochemicals
Petrochemicals (pronunciation: /ˌpɛtrəʊˈkɛmɪkəlz/) are chemical products derived from petroleum. Some chemical compounds made from petroleum are also obtained from other fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas, or renewable sources such as corn or sugar cane.
Etymology
The term "petrochemical" is a combination of "petroleum" and "chemical". It was first used in the early 20th century when the chemical industry started to exploit petroleum as a raw material.
Types of Petrochemicals
Petrochemicals are divided into three categories: olefins, aromatics, and synthesis gas.
- Olefins include ethylene, propylene, and butadiene. Ethylene and propylene are important sources of industrial chemicals and plastics products. Butadiene is used in making synthetic rubber.
- Aromatics include benzene, toluene, and xylenes. Benzene is used in the manufacture of dyes and synthetic detergents. Toluene is used in the production of benzoic acid, benzene, and TNT. Xylenes are used as solvents and in the printing, rubber, and leather industries.
- Synthesis gas is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen used to make ammonia and methanol. Ammonia is used in making fertilizers and other chemical compounds. Methanol is used in making formaldehyde and other chemical compounds.
Related Terms
- Polymerization: A process of reacting monomer molecules together in a chemical reaction to form polymer chains or three-dimensional networks.
- Cracking (chemistry): A process whereby complex organic molecules such as kerogens or long-chain hydrocarbons are broken down into simpler molecules such as light hydrocarbons, by the breaking of carbon-carbon bonds in the precursors.
- Distillation: The process of separating the components or substances from a liquid mixture by using selective boiling and condensation.
- Catalysis: The process of increasing the rate of a chemical reaction by adding a substance known as a catalyst.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Petrochemicals
- Wikipedia's article - Petrochemicals
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