Phthalic anhydride price index

Phthalic anhydride price index

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

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

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

Further information on the Phthalic anhydride price index

What is Phthalic anhydride

Phthalic anhydride is an organic compound with the chemical formula C8H4O3. It is a white, crystalline solid that is highly reactive and forms easily when heated. Phthalic anhydride is an important industrial chemical and is used as a starting material in the production of a variety of chemicals and polymers.

One of the main uses of phthalic anhydride is in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic that is used in a wide range of applications, including pipes, flooring, and window frames. Phthalic anhydride is also used in the production of alkyd resins, which are used to make paints, varnishes, and coatings. Other uses of phthalic anhydride include the production of plasticizers, which are used to make plastics more flexible, and the production of dyes and fragrances.

Phthalic anhydride is produced by the oxidation of naphthalene or xylene. It is a hazardous chemical and can be harmful if inhaled or ingested. It is also a skin irritant and can cause eye irritation.

How is Phthalic anhydride produced

Phthalic anhydride is produced by the oxidation of naphthalene or xylene. The most common method for producing phthalic anhydride involves the air oxidation of naphthalene. In this process, naphthalene is heated to a high temperature in the presence of air, which causes it to oxidize to form phthalic anhydride. This reaction is typically carried out in a reactor that is heated by a flame or an electric heating element.

Another method for producing phthalic anhydride involves the oxidation of xylene. In this process, xylene is heated to a high temperature in the presence of oxygen and a catalyst, such as manganese dioxide. The reaction between xylene and oxygen produces phthalic anhydride and water.

Phthalic anhydride is also produced as a byproduct of the production of maleic anhydride, another organic compound. It is possible to convert maleic anhydride to phthalic anhydride by heating it to a high temperature in the presence of oxygen.

It is worth noting that the production of phthalic anhydride can have negative environmental impacts, as it can release pollutants into the air and water. Therefore, it is important to properly control and treat emissions from phthalic anhydride production facilities to minimize these impacts.

What is Phthalic anhydride used for

Phthalic anhydride is a highly reactive chemical that is used as a starting material in the production of a variety of chemicals and polymers. Some of the main uses of phthalic anhydride include:

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) production

Phthalic anhydride is used as a starting material in the production of PVC, a plastic that is used in a wide range of applications, including pipes, flooring, and window frames.

Alkyd resin production

Phthalic anhydride is used in the production of alkyd resins, which are used to make paints, varnishes, and coatings.

Plasticizer production

Phthalic anhydride is used in the production of plasticizers, which are used to make plastics more flexible.

Dye and fragrance production

Phthalic anhydride is used in the production of dyes and fragrances.

Other uses

Phthalic anhydride is also used in the production of other chemicals, including phthalate esters, which are used as plasticizers and solvents, and isophthalic acid, which is used in the production of resins and fibers.

How big is the Phthalic anhydride market

It is difficult to determine the size of the global phthalic anhydride market, as data on the production and consumption of this chemical is not widely available. Phthalic anhydride is a specialty chemical, and it is not produced or consumed in large quantities compared to some other chemicals.

In the United States, the production of phthalic anhydride was estimated to be around 600 million pounds per year in the early 2000s, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, it is worth noting that this figure may not be representative of the global market for phthalic anhydride.

According to https://oec.world/ :

Phthalic anhydride are the world’s 2451st most traded product.

In 2020, the top exporters of Phthalic anhydride were South Korea ($129M), Chinese Taipei ($87.1M), Belgium ($65.1M), Russia ($45.4M), and Italy ($32.5M).

In 2020, the top importers of Phthalic anhydride were India ($95.2M), Netherlands ($41.1M), Germany ($37.2M), United States ($35M), and Indonesia ($31.4M).

Further information

• Wikipedia for general, history, production and usage information
• PubChem for chemistry and property  information