Cost estimates for crude and glacial products have been developed for the commercial propylene oxidation process and for emerging processes via fermentation of glucose to 3HP, oxidation of (glycerol-derived) acrolein, catalytic conversion of (ethylene oxide derived) ß-propiolactone, and via the historical acetylene based (Reppe) process.

Technology and cost estimates for various adipic acid production technologies including: commercial routes involving KA and subsequent nitric acid oxidation; speculative routes via butadiene carbonylation, and direct oxidation of cyclohexane with air/oxygen; a conceptual design based on a biosynthetic route.

New developments in para-xylene production technologies are described. In particular, the cost savings of BP’s crystallization technology and several new UOP processing schemes are assessed. Supply/demand forecasts for p-xylene out to 2013 are also provided.

Chemistry, process technology and production economics of EDC and VCM are presented. Conventional balanced chlorination/ oxychlorination route is compared to the acetylene-based route currently in favor in China. The costs of “green” VCM based on ethylene from ethanol is explored.