In the previous parts (1, 2, 3, 4 & 5) of the third series we discussed Pillar # 1 (Methane) representing one of the basic building blocks of the petrochemicals/ chemicals industry; and some of its derivatives. In this part, we will continue the discussion of the other products derived from Methane and their manufacturing processes, sub derivatives and applications.
Continue derivatives of Acetic Acid derived from methanol
Acetic Acid1: Acetic anhydride
Acetate esters Alcohol acetates
Alcohol acetates are prepared by esterifying the corresponding alcohol with acetic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid (Fischer esterification):
CH3CO2H + ROH → CH3CO2R + H2O
The most common acetate esters are amyl acetate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, n- butyl acetate, iso-butyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, iso-propyl acetate, 2- ethylhexyl acetate, benzyl acetate. The applications of acetate esters include solvents for inks, paints,..etc The following tables give more information for some of common products in this group.
Acetic Acid2: Methyl acetate
Acetic Acid3: Ethyl acetate
Acetic Acid4: n-Butyl acetate
Acetic Acid5: Iso-butyl acetate
Acetic Acid6: 2-ethylhexyl acetate
Acetic Acid7: Benzyl acetate
Acetic Acid8: n-Propyl acetate
Acetic Acid9: iso-Propyl acetate
Acetic Acid10: Phenyl acetate
Glycol ether acetates
Similar to alcohol acetates, glycol ether acetates are prepared by esterifying the corresponding glycol monoether with acetic acid. Glycol monoether are prepared by reacting ethylene oxide (EO) or propylene oxide (PO) with such corresponding alcohol. More details about glycol monoethers are given in next series of other Pillars.
Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate (EGEEA), propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PMA), ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate (EGBEA), ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (EGMEA), diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate (DEGBEA), dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (DPMA), diethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate (DEGEA), ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether acetate (EGiPEA) are some of the common ether esters. The major applications of these products are solvents.
The following tables give more information for some of common products in this group.
Propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate
Acetic Acid11: Propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate
Acetic Acid12: Dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate
Acetic Acid13: Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate
Acetate Salts
Acetic Acid14: Sodium acetate
Acetic Acid15: Calcium acetate
Acetic Acid16: Potassium acetate
Acetic Acid17: Chloroacetic Acid
In next series, we will continue the other products derived from methanol.
