Shanghai (ZXZC)- BASF recently signed a technology license agreement with Sinopec Ningbo Zhenhai Refining & Chemical Company ("NZRCC"), a joint venture between Sinopec Zhenhai Refining & Chemical Company and Ningbo city's authorities, to utilize BASF's proprietary carbonylation technology for the production of isooctanol (INA), according to a post on BASF's WeChat account.

The production of INA is a complex process that necessitates maintaining product quality while reducing raw material and energy consumption. With its profound expertise in INA production processes, catalysts, and equipment, BASF offers comprehensive technology licenses, including customized raw material purification, dimerization reactions, hydrogenation of formic acid, and aldehyde hydrogenation, all while ensuring the high quality of INA.

Photo credit: BASF

BASF developed its INA production technology at its integrated production site in Ludwigshafen, Germany. In 2015, BASF MPCC Company Limited, a joint venture between BASF and China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation ("SINOPEC"), used this technology to establish China's first INA facility.

As a leading supplier of INA technology, BASF boasts technology license encompassing proprietary equipment, catalysts, and adsorbents to enhance the licensee's reliability.

According to the agreement, this world-class INA production unit, equipped with BASF technology, will be located at NZRCC's integrated base in Ningbo city and is expected to commence operations in 2026, with an annual production capacity of 200,000 tonnes.

“We are pleased to grant NZRCC the license for our INA technology. NZRCC will be the second INA plant in China to utilize BASF’s process technology which has been proven to produce INA with stable energy and feedstock consumption rates, leading to reliable production,” stated Shahab Taebi, Director Business Opportunities and Forecasting, Petrochemicals Division, BASF SE. “With ZRCC’s expertise in constructing and operating large integrated refining and petrochemical plants, the new INA plant will enable NZRCC to expand their chemical portfolio with a safe and proven technology.”

INA serves as a plasticizer alcohol in the production of PVC plasticizers, specifically Diisononyl Phthalate (DINP) and Diisononyl Cyclohexane Dicarboxylate (DINCH). These alternatives offer better toxicological characteristics compared to Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP or DOP) based on 2-Ethylhexanol (2EH).

PVC products incorporating INA esters as plasticizers find application in diverse industries, including automotive, flooring, wall coverings, and wire and cable manufacturing. BASF said its non-phthalate plasticizer, Hexamoll® DINCH, has obtained approvals for applications requiring close human contact, such as food packaging, medical equipment, and toys.