2004). The main end uses for alphaolefins are listed in a table. They include polyolefin comonomers, plastomers, polyolefin elastomers, surfactants and intermediates, plasticiser alcohols, synthetic lubricants, petroleum additives and oil field chemicals. European Chemical News, 14 Jan 2002,76
(1988)
16
linear alpha olefins patent for IPCL Indian Petrochemicals Corp Ltd (IPCL) has been granted a European patent for linear alpha olefins manufacturing process developed by its scientists working in the Vadodara based research centre of IPCL. These olefins are mainly used to manufacture polyethylene, synthetic detergents and lubricants. Chemicals Purchase, Dee 2001, 9 (12) 48
Improved catalyst yields high-purity LAOS Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) and Linde AG have developed a new linear alpha olefins (LAO) process dubbed SABLIN. SABIC will construct the first LAO plant using SABLIN, which will also be incorporated in a 150,000 tons/y unit being developed for the United Petrochemical Co complex at Al-Jubail, Saudi Arabia. Startup for the unit is slated for 2Q 2004 and both SABIC and Linde will license the new process to potential producers. The process uses ethylene as feedstock for a onestage, homogeneous reaction to yield C4-C20 and LAO, which are then fed to a series of traditional separation columns to get the needed product cuts. High-purity products that need no further polishing steps are said to be achieved via the high-selectivity, one-stage reactor. Reaction temperature in the oligomerization reactor is also reduced and control of molecular weight distribution of reaction products is enhanced. Because the process utilises a nonnoble metals catalyst, product selectivity and purity are excellent. Curtailed operating conditions, less byproduct generation, decreased utility consumption and lower capital cost bring down production costs for LAOS, which are applicable in MARCH
2002
polymers, detergents, lubricants, plasticizers and more. Hydrocarbon
Processing, Dee 2001, 80 (12) 27
Alkoxylates Rompetrol makes strides with study to upgrade units Rompetrol, Netherlandstook over the Petromidia refinery and petrochemical activities, in Constanta, Romania, paying $50 M in Ott 2000 for the Romanian state’s 69.9% share in the company. It is now studying modernisation and upgrading of the facilities. Possible projects include restarting a 14,000 tonnes/y ethylene oxide (EO) plant; building facilities for making EO derivatives for dyes, detergents and cosmetics. European Chemical News, 7 Jan 2002, 76 (1987) 34
Fluorosurfactants Environmentally friendly fluorosurfactants from Omnova Omnova Solutions of Fairlawn, OH, has been able to produce PolyFox VM and PolyFox TM fluorosurfactants using proprietary chemistry. The products provide superior leveling, flow and wetting properties. They can be utilised in a number of waterbased floor polish formulations and can be used as a substitute for those products being discontinued due to environmental concerns. PolyFox modifiers are made from short fluoroalkyl groups that provides improved coatings systems compatibility and low foaming properties. HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Jan 2002,39 (l), 102
Taurates Shiseido Co obtains patent for detergent composition Shiseido Co has earned patent number 6,303,599 for a detergent formulation. Ingredients of the formulation include an alkali metal N-methyltaurate salt or organic alkali N-methyltaurate salt of N-acylmethyltaurine, N-acyltaurine, alkylsulfuric ester, alkyl ether sulfuric
ester or alkylsulfonic acid. The formulation also includes an alkali metal taurate salt or on organic alkali taurate salt of N-acylmethyltaurine, Nacyltaurine, alkylsulfuric ester, alkyl ether sulfuric ester or alkylsulfonic acid. Soap and Cosmetics, Nov 2001,77
(1 l), 56
Amphoterics Akzo Nobel uses detergent additives in distant heating pipes Akzo Nobel Surface Chemistry, Sweden, has been testing a mixture of zwitterionic and anionic surface active substances as additives in the pipelines of distant heating systems in Denmark. These detergents reduce friction, allowing more water to be pumped further, increasing capacity by up to 50% and saving pumping energy. Use of the agent sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate is currently being phased out for environmental reasons. Customers are being sought for the new system. Kemivarlden,
5 Dee 2001, (12), 6 (in Swedish)
Colonial Chemical Inc Colonial Chemical Inc introduces a high quality betaine called Colateric BE-l 6. The product, which is made from palm oil, can aid in reducing irritation of other surfactants in personal care compositions. It does not also add colour to a formulation and is made using an exclusive method that produces a nearly colourless liquid. The betaine’s ability to make dense foams makes it ideal for in producing shaving creams, mousse and other dense rich foam formulations. It can also be utilised with high foaming sur-factants, such as sodium lauryl sulfate because of its ability to improve the density and stability of the foam produced. Soap and Cosmetics, Nov 2001, 77 (1 l), 59
New developments Cognis 2000: new lamp oils for greater safety: coconut and palm kernel esters replace paraffin Innovative lamp oils have been a striking success since Cognis 3