Epichlorohydrin price index

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Epichlorohydrin price index

This post is a summary of Epichlorohydrin price developments. The price developments of Epichlorohydrin are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Epichlorohydrin price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.

The outlook for Epichlorohydrin prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:

• Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of Epichlorohydrin prices
• Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Epichlorohydrin
• Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of Epichlorohydrin prices
• Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Epichlorohydrin market
• Longer term trends in likely demand conditions

Further information on the Epichlorohydrin price index

What is Epichlorohydrin

Epichlorohydrin is a chemical compound with the formula C3H5ClO. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent, garlic-like odor. Epichlorohydrin is an important industrial chemical primarily used in the production of epoxy resins. It is also used in the manufacture of other chemicals, including glycerol, plastics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.

One of the primary applications of epichlorohydrin is in the production of epoxy resins, which are widely used in various industries such as construction, automotive, electronics, and aerospace. Epoxy resins produced from epichlorohydrin exhibit excellent adhesive, mechanical, and chemical resistance properties, making them valuable for coatings, adhesives, composites, and electrical insulations.

What is Epichlorohydrin used for

Epichlorohydrin is used in various industrial applications due to its versatile chemical properties. Some of the common uses of epichlorohydrin include:

Production of Epoxy Resins

One of the primary applications of epichlorohydrin is in the production of epoxy resins. These resins are widely used in coatings, adhesives, sealants, and composites due to their excellent adhesive, mechanical, and chemical resistance properties.

Chemical Intermediate

Epichlorohydrin serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various chemicals. It is used in the production of glycerol, which is further processed into products such as glycerin, glycerol ethers, and surfactants.

Water Treatment

Epichlorohydrin is used in water treatment processes, particularly in the production of water treatment chemicals such as polyamine-based coagulants and polyamine epichlorohydrin resins.

Textile Industry

In the textile industry, epichlorohydrin is used as a crosslinking agent for the production of wrinkle-resistant fabrics and durable press finishes.

Pharmaceuticals

Epichlorohydrin is utilized in the synthesis of certain pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the production of pharmaceutical intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Rubber Industry

It is employed in the manufacturing of rubber products as a crosslinking agent for chlorinated polyethylene rubbers and other elastomers.

Solvents and Cleaning Agents

Epichlorohydrin is used as a solvent in certain applications and as a cleaning agent for metal surfaces.

Other Industrial Applications

It finds use in the production of plastics, resins, elastomers, and various specialty chemicals.

However, it’s crucial to handle epichlorohydrin with care as it is highly reactive and toxic. Proper safety measures should be followed when working with this chemical, and exposure to it should be minimized to prevent health hazards.

What are the key properties of Epichlorohydrin

Epichlorohydrin (ECH) possesses several key properties that make it useful in various industrial applications. Some of the key properties of epichlorohydrin include:

Reactivity

Epichlorohydrin is highly reactive due to the presence of an epoxide group in its molecular structure. This reactivity allows it to undergo various chemical reactions, including epoxidation, hydrolysis, and polymerization, making it a valuable chemical intermediate in the synthesis of other compounds.

Solubility

Epichlorohydrin is soluble in many organic solvents, including acetone, ethanol, and ether. It also exhibits limited solubility in water. This property contributes to its use in various processes where solubility is required.

Volatility

Epichlorohydrin is a volatile liquid at room temperature, with a relatively low boiling point of around 116°C. This volatility facilitates its handling and processing in industrial applications such as solvent extraction and reaction processes.

Flammability

Epichlorohydrin is flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air at elevated temperatures. Proper precautions must be taken to prevent fire and explosion hazards during its handling and storage.

Toxicity

Epichlorohydrin is toxic and can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract upon contact or inhalation. Prolonged or repeated exposure to epichlorohydrin vapor or mist may lead to more severe health effects, including respiratory issues and damage to internal organs.

Polymerization

Epichlorohydrin can undergo polymerization to form polyepichlorohydrin, which is a thermosetting polymer. Polyepichlorohydrin exhibits good mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and adhesion properties, making it useful in coatings, adhesives, and composite materials.

Chemical Stability

Epichlorohydrin is relatively stable under normal storage conditions but may undergo hydrolysis in the presence of water or alkaline substances to form glycerol and other byproducts. It should be stored and handled in sealed containers to prevent moisture absorption and degradation.

Overall, the combination of reactivity, solubility, volatility, and toxicity makes epichlorohydrin a versatile chemical with applications in various industries, including the production of epoxy resins, glycerol, water treatment chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. However, its handling and use require careful attention to safety and environmental regulations.

How big is the global Epichlorohydrin market

The global epichlorohydrin market size is estimated to be around 2.5 to 3 million metric tons annually. However, market sizes can vary from year to year due to factors such as changes in demand, production capacities, and economic conditions.

The production of epichlorohydrin is concentrated in several key countries, with China being the largest producer followed by the United States and Japan. Other significant producers include South Korea, Germany, and India.

These countries have well-established chemical industries and access to raw materials necessary for epichlorohydrin production. Additionally, they often have large downstream industries that consume epichlorohydrin in the production of epoxy resins, glycerol, and other chemicals.

According to https://oec.world/en:

In 2022 1-chloro-2,3-epoxypropane(epichlorohy-drin) were the world’s 2176th most traded product (out of 4,648).

In 2022, the top exporters of 1-chloro-2,3-epoxypropane(epichlorohy-drin) were Thailand ($242M), China ($191M), Germany ($179M), South Korea ($81.9M), and Netherlands ($75.3M).

In 2022, the top importers of 1-chloro-2,3-epoxypropane(epichlorohy-drin) were South Korea ($213M), India ($151M), United States ($150M), Netherlands ($109M), and Switzerland ($62.2M).