Petrochemicals
SYNCRATM Oxo-C4
Oxo-C4 chemicals - butyraldehydes, butanols and 2-ethylhexanol - are the precursors for various acrylates, solvents and plasticizers value chains. SYNCRATM Oxo-C4 is the process that the world's largest oxo chemicals producer builds on. It enables the efficient and reliable supply of these key chemicals and supports licensees in meeting the rising demand in infrastructure, construction, automotive, and consumer goods sectors.
In the Oxo-C4 process, propylene and oxo gas are converted into butyraldehydes using a rhodium-based catalyst system. n-butyraldehydes and iso-butyraldehydes are separated and can subsequently be hydrogenated to produce n-Butanol and iso-butanol, respectively. Alternatively, the aldol condensation of n-butyraldehyde with subsequent hydrogenation yields 2-ethylhexanol (2-EH). The technology is modular, the ratio between n-butanol and 2-EH being fully flexible, depending on the needs of the licensee.
With optimized heat integration, liquid recycle loops, and gas recovery systems, the Oxo-C4 process ensures high efficiency, low energy consumption, and scalable throughput.