The chemistry, process technology, and production economics for the new polymer, polytrimethylene terephthalate is presented. Shell’s petrochemical route to the polymer precursor, PDO, is contrasted to DuPont’s biotech approach.

The chemistry, process technology, and production economics for cumene, phenol, and acetone are presented. Emerging co-product free routes are compared to conventional Hock process. Supply/demand outlook for phenol out to 2010 is also given.

The chemistry, process technology and production economics of bisphenol A are presented. Emphasis is given to modern processes employing ion-exchange catalysts. Capacity, supply, and demand forecasts are also provided.

The chemistry, process technology, and production economics of ethanolamines is presented. Special emphasis is given to comparing conventional uncatalyzed process to the emerging Nippon Shokubai catalyzed process.