[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of methacrylonitrile, what is the use of methacrylic acid

Methacrylonitrile properties

Methacrylonitrile (Methyl Acrylonitrile), chemical formula C4H5N, is an important organic chemical raw material. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor, flammable and toxic. Methacrylonitrile has high chemical activity and can undergo a variety of chemical reactions, such as free radical polymerization and addition reactions. It has a boiling point of 77°C, a melting point of -46°C and a density of 0.805g/cm³. Because of its strong polarity, methacrylonitrile has a certain solubility in water.

Methacrylonitrile use

Methacrylonitrile has a wide range of applications in industrial production. Mainly used in the synthesis of polymers, such as the manufacture of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene-methyl methacrylate (MABS) resin. These polymers have important applications in the fields of automobiles, electronics, and electrical appliances. Methacrylonitrile is also an important intermediate in the production of fibers, coatings, adhesives and other materials. In the field of medicine, methacrylonitrile is used as a precursor compound for the synthesis of several drugs.

Upstream raw materials

Methacrylonitrile production relies primarily on propylene and hydrocyanic acid (HCN), two upstream feedstocks. Propylene is a common olefin compound, mainly derived from petroleum cracking and natural gas separation processes. Hydrocyanic acid is a highly toxic compound, which is mainly prepared by methane ammoxidation or acetylene method. By the addition reaction of these two raw materials, methacrylonitrile can be efficiently produced. In some processes, some catalysts or additives may also be used to improve the reaction efficiency and yield.

Production process

Methacrylonitrile is mainly produced by the propylene cyanide process (also known as the SOHIO process). In this process, propylene reacts with hydrocyanic acid in the presence of a catalyst to produce methacrylonitrile. The reaction temperature is usually between 400-500°C and the pressure is about 1-2 MPa. In order to improve the yield and purity, the production process is usually carried out a number of distillation and purification. SOHIO process has high economic benefits and production efficiency, and has become the mainstream method of industrial production of methacrylonitrile.

Downstream Products

As an important chemical raw material, methacrylonitrile has a wide range of downstream products. The most important downstream products include ABS resin and MABS resin. These materials have excellent physical properties, such as high strength, impact resistance, heat resistance, etc., and are widely used in automobiles, home appliances, electronic equipment and other fields. Other downstream products include polyacrylonitrile fibers, which are used to make high-performance fiber materials. Methacrylonitrile can also be used to synthesize a variety of special chemicals, such as flame retardants, antioxidants, plasticizers, etc.

market demand and supply

The market demand for methacrylonitrile is mainly affected by the development of the downstream industry. With the rapid development of the automotive, electronics, home appliances and other industries, the demand for ABS resin and MABS resin is also increasing, which in turn promotes the growth of the methacrylonitrile market. In recent years, the global methacrylonitrile market has shown steady growth, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, where China is one of the major consumers. With the increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the production and use of methacrylonitrile is also facing more environmental pressure and challenges.

storage method

Due to the flammable, explosive and toxic properties of methacrylonitrile, its storage and transportation require special attention. Methacrylonitrile should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated warehouse, away from fire and heat sources. Storage containers shall be of corrosion resistant material such as stainless steel or special plastics and shall be well sealed to prevent leakage. During transportation, relevant safety regulations shall be observed, special means of transportation of hazardous chemicals shall be used, and necessary emergency equipment and protective articles shall be provided.

Environmental protection and safety

In the production and use of methacrylonitrile, special attention should be paid to its impact on the environment and human health. Methacrylonitrile is highly toxic and can enter the human body through the respiratory tract, skin and digestive tract, resulting in toxic reactions. Therefore, strict protective measures should be taken during production and use to prevent leakage and personnel exposure. The treatment of waste gas, waste water and waste residue also needs to follow environmental regulations and adopt effective treatment technology to reduce environmental pollution.

future development trend

With the progress of science and technology and the change of market demand, methacrylonitrile industry is also developing. In the future, with the application of new catalysts and process technologies, the production efficiency and environmental performance of methacrylonitrile are expected to be further improved. With the continuous expansion of downstream applications, the market demand for methacrylonitrile will continue to grow. Especially in the field of high-performance materials and pharmaceutical intermediates, methacrylonitrile has broad prospects for development.

As an important organic chemical raw material, methacrylonitrile plays an important role in modern industry. Its wide application and market demand drive the continuous improvement of its production process and the improvement of environmental performance. With technological progress and changes in market demand, the methacrylonitrile industry will continue to maintain steady growth and play a more important role in many fields.