This report considers the availability, now and in the future, of natural gas as a C1 chemicals feedstock both for the key existing markets and potential future markets.  Gas prices are projected through to 2040 based on the global gas outlook and the current and prospective pricing is then used to consider the comparative economics for the key chemicals for the different markets.

Polyamides, often also referred to as nylons, are a major class of thermoplastic resins that are used in the production of fibers, films and molded articles.  Nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 are the most important and highest-volume types and are the focus of this report.  Nylon 6 is made by the ring-opening polymerization of caprolactam while nylon 6,6 is from the polycondensation of HMDA and adipic acid.  This PERP report provides an overview of the production, commercial technology, market and economics of nylon 6 and 6,6  polymers, including nylon 6,6 monomers and nylon compounds.  

This report reviews the ortho-xylene and naphthalene routes to phthalic anhydride (PAN) production as well as details the separation of ortho-xylene from mixed xylenes and the naphthalene distillation from coal tar.  The PAN cost of production via those two routes for plants located in the United States, Western Europe, South Korea, and China has been estimated for the first quarter of 2016.  Nexant also commented on the motivations behind the recent capacity additions and closures and provided a high-level analysis of the business and strategic considerations, as well as the technology availability from the perspective of a company entering or expanding into the PAN market.  This analysis is underpinned by a review of end-use sector consumption as well as regional market dynamics. 

The purpose of this report is to analyze developments in bio-based isobutylene technologies.  Isobutylene derived from bio-based materials or processes can be converted into a number of chemical products—potentially improving the GHG profile of the process, including everything from rubber, to personal care products, to flavors and fragrances.  The purpose of this study is to assess the technical, commercial, and economic aspects of producing isobutylene.