Chemicals
Petrochemicals
Technology Licensing
SYNCRA IOC

Petrochemicals

SYNCRATM IOC

Refineries and petrochemical producers can maximize the value of their C4 streams by producing high-purity isooctene for fuel blending and chemical applications. The SYNCRATM IOC technology offers a flexible, robust and selective dimerization process, yielding premium C8 olefins suitable for high-performance downstream applications. As a key upstream component of the SYNCRATM Oxo-C9 technology, SYNCRATM IOC enables seamless integration into a broader licensing package—supporting the production of isononanol with excellent market perspectives.  

Isooctene production is based on butenes as raw material. These are usually sourced from butene-rich raffinate streams available from FCC (Fluidized Catalytic Cracking) units in refineries or from large-scale steam cracker operations in petrochemical complexes. 

The SYNCRATM IOC process starts with the purification of the raffinate streams. The purified feed is then dimerized yielding a mixture of isooctene isomers, alongside minor quantities of isododecene and heavier olefins. Following dimerization, the product stream undergoes distillation to separate the desired C8 olefins from lighter and heavier fractions. The resulting isooctene achieves an exceptional purity and is highly reactive. 

The IOC process is available as a standalone licensing option or integrated with SYNCRATM Oxo-C9, where isooctene serves as the feedstock for hydroformylation and hydrogenation to produce INA. This modular approach allows licensees to tailor their investment and product strategy according to market needs and feedstock availability.

Feedstock Flexibility

SYNCRATM IOC is suitable for a wide range of feedstock compositions. BASF's experienced technology and research team develops tailor-made solutions for the purification and dimerization section of each project in order to meet the individual licensee's requirements. Additionally, SYNCRATM IOC can be integrated with BASF's Butadiene Extraction, SYNCRATM HPIB and SYNCRATM INA processes in order to unlock the full value of C4 streams. 

Efficient Raw Material Utilization

SYNCRATM IOC is an optimized technology solution. Building on BASF's proprietary dimerization catalyst system, it features high butene conversion rates and an excellent selectivity towards the desired isooctene product. 

High Product Quality

The technology yields an outstanding product quality. A best-in-class ISOindex, low branching and high product purity and reactivity make the resulting isooctene an ideal candidate for further downstream integration in plasticizer alcohol production. 

Proven Commercial References

The technology is backed by BASF’s long-standing experience and commercial-scale references, ensuring reliability, scalability, and confidence for licensees entering this high-performance chemicals market.

Modular Integration with Oxo-C9

IOC serves as the upstream step for the SYNCRATM Oxo-C9 technology, providing the isooctene feedstock for isononanol production. It can be licensed independently or as part of this integrated package.