[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, fatty alcohol production capacity

Fatty alcohol properties

Fatty alcohols (also known as aliphatic alcohols) are a class of alcohols containing a linear or branched alkyl chain, usually consisting of one to more carbon atoms. Their general formula is CnH2n 1OH. Aliphatic alcohols are mainly divided into monohydric alcohols, dihydric alcohols and polyhydric alcohols. The most common monohydric alcohols are methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, etc. Fatty alcohols have higher boiling points and solubility, and these properties increase with the extension of the carbon chain. They are usually colorless, transparent liquids or solids with a distinctive odor. Fatty alcohols have good solubility and surface activity and are important intermediates for the production of chemicals and materials.

Fatty alcohol use

Fatty alcohols are widely used in many industrial fields. Its main uses include the manufacture of detergents and surfactants, lubricants and additives, cosmetics and personal care products, solvents and plastic additives. Fatty alcohols are important raw materials for the production of macromolecular materials such as polyethylene glycol, polyether and polyurethane. In the pharmaceutical industry, fatty alcohols are used in the synthesis of drugs and pharmaceutical excipients. Its surface activity makes it a core component of detergents and emulsifiers, while its solubility makes it widely used in the paint and ink industry.

Upstream raw materials

The production of fatty alcohols involves a variety of upstream feedstocks and processes. The main upstream feedstocks include petrochemicals such as ethylene, propylene, and butylene, which produce the corresponding alcohols by catalytic hydrogenation or redox reactions. Natural oils and fatty acids are also important sources for the production of fatty alcohols, prepared by hydrogenation or conversion reactions. In modern industry, synthesis gas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) can also be used to produce fatty alcohols via the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process. Fermentation or chemical conversion of biomass resources such as sugars, cellulose and starch is also a route for green production of fatty alcohols.

Downstream Products

Fatty alcohols are key raw materials for many downstream products. Downstream products include various types of surfactants, such as alkyl sulfonates and alkyl polyether sulfates, used in detergents and cleaners. Fatty alcohols are also used as raw materials for the production of plasticizers, lubricants and emulsifiers. In the cosmetic field, fatty alcohols are used to make emollients, moisturizers and emulsion stabilizers. In the food industry, fatty alcohols are used as food additives and nutritional fortifiers. In the pharmaceutical industry, fatty alcohols are used as pharmaceutical solvents and excipients. The textile and paper industries also use fatty alcohols as softeners and antistatic agents.

Production process

The production of fatty alcohols involves a variety of processes and techniques. Traditionally, the catalytic hydrogenation of olefins is the main production method, and fatty alcohols are obtained by hydrogenating olefins with shorter carbon chains (e. g. ethylene, propylene). Natural fatty acids and esters are also important production routes by hydrogenation reduction reactions. In recent years, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of syngas (CO and H2) has been widely used to produce fatty alcohols with different carbon chain lengths by adjusting the reaction conditions. Fermentation and enzymatic conversion of biomass resources have attracted attention as green processes, such as the production of butanol and ethanol by microbial fermentation.

Storage method

The storage of fatty alcohols requires consideration of their chemical properties and safety. Most fatty alcohols are flammable, so they should be stored away from fire and high temperatures, preferably in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Use corrosion-resistant containers such as stainless steel or galvanized iron drums to prevent oxidation caused by long-term contact with air. For high purity fatty alcohols, it is also necessary to avoid impurity contamination, and the storage container should be well sealed. The storage area should be equipped with necessary fire fighting facilities, such as fire extinguishers and fire water sources, to ensure that accidents can be dealt with quickly.

Environment and Safety

Attention should be paid to environmental and safety issues in the use and handling of fatty alcohols. As a flammable substance, its leakage may cause a fire or explosion. Operators should wear protective equipment to avoid skin and eye contact with fatty alcohols. Waste fatty alcohols need to be specially treated to prevent pollution of water and soil. In the production process, the discharge of waste gas and waste liquid should be strictly controlled, and advanced environmental protection technology should be adopted to reduce the impact on the environment. Compliance with relevant laws and regulations is also an important guarantee to ensure safe production and environmental protection.

Market Prospects

With the advancement of industrialization and urbanization, the market demand for fatty alcohols continues to grow. Especially in the field of detergents, cosmetics and personal care products, there is an increasing demand for fatty alcohols as key raw materials. Under the trend of environmental protection and sustainable development, the production and application of bio-based fatty alcohols are also on the rise. In the future, technological innovation and process improvement will further improve the production efficiency and product quality of fatty alcohols to meet the growing market demand. In the global market, the production and trade of fatty alcohols will also become more active, bringing new business opportunities.

Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material, fatty alcohols have a wide range of applications and good market prospects. Its nature and use determine the central position in many industries. By continuously optimizing the production process and improving the environmental protection level, the application field of fatty alcohols will continue to expand. Understanding its upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods and market dynamics will help to better grasp the development trend of the industry and provide strong support for corporate strategic decision-making. In the future development, the fatty alcohol industry will continue to play an important role in providing high-quality raw materials and solutions for various industries.