Methanol
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, wood naphtha or wood spirits is a chemical with the formula CH3OH (often abbreviated MeOH). Methanol acquired the name “wood alcohol” because it was once produced chiefly as a byproduct of the destructive distillation of wood. Modern methanol is produced in a catalytic industrial process directly from carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen.
Methanol is the simplest alcohol, and is a light, volatile, colorless, flammable liquid with a distinctive odor very similar to, but slightly sweeter than, that of ethanol (drinking alcohol).[4] At room temperature, it is a polar liquid, and is used as anantifreeze, solvent, fuel, and as a denaturant for ethanol. It is also used for producing biodiesel via transesterification reaction.
Mono-ethylene glycol (MEG)
Mono-ethylene glycol - or MEG - is a vital ingredient for the production of polyester fibres and film, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins and engine coolants.
End uses for MEG range from clothing and other textiles, through packaging to kitchenware, engine coolants and antifreeze. Polyester and fleece fabrics, upholstery, carpets and pillows, as well as light and sturdy polyethylene terephthalate drink and food containers originate from ethylene glycol. The humectant (water attracting) properties of MEG products also make them ideal for use in fibres treatment, paper, adhesives, printing inks, leather and cellophane.
MEG is a colourless, odourless liquid with a syrup-like consistency.
Nonene (Propylene Trimer) and Tetramer
Nonene and tetramer are branched olefins produced by the polymerization of propylene. Nonene is also referred to as propylene trimer; the former is the more commonly accepted name. Tetramer is also referred to as propylene tetramer or branched dodecene. Once manufactured primarily as components of polymer gasoline, these products are now valued primarily for chemical use. Major applications, shared by derivatives of both nonene and tetramer, include plasticizers, surfactants, lubricating oil additives and polymerization modifiers.
