The economics of using competing feedstocks for VCM manufacture are elucidated.  Coal-based acetylene in China, ethanol-based ethylene in Brazil, E/P-based ethylene in the U.S. and naphtha-based ethylene in Western Europe for VCM production are compared.

The chemistry, process technologies and production economics for methanol manufacture are assessed and compared. Syngas production and methanol synthesis routes are reviewed for several licensors. Regional production cost estimates are provided as well as capacity and regional supply/demand balances.

Health, safety, and regulatory issues are driving change in the plasticizers business away from phthalate-based materials. This report assesses the chemistry, production technology and costs, and properties of a variety of non-phthalate plasticizers including BASF’s new Hexamoll DINCH, Eastman’s di-(2-ethylhexyl)terephthalate.

The chemistry, process technology and production economics for the many varied ways to make BDO and THF are examined. Technologies for BDO include: Reppe acetylene, Mitsubishi butadiene, Lyondell PO, Dairen allyl acetate, Davy maleic anhydride, and BP Lurgi maleic acid. THF processes include: BDO dehydration, Mitsubishi butadiene, DuPont transport bed, Bagasse-based, and emerging Eastman epoxybutene-based.