2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Production BASF and Petronas to build a new Plant in Malaysia

BASF and Petronas expand their integrated complex in Kuantan/Malaysia and build a new world-scale production plant for 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHAcid).

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Kuantan/Malaysia and Ludwigshafen/Germany – According to BASF the Company domiciled in Ludwigshafen/Germany are responding to growing 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHAcid) demands in Asia Pacific and raises its capacity. For this BASF and Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad want to build a new world-scale production plant at the site of their existing joint venture, BASF Petronas Chemicals, in Kuantan/Malaysia.

The construction of this plant, which will be the first of its kind in the ASEAN region, is expected to commence in Q2 of 2015. The plant, with a total annual capacity of 30,000 metric tons of 2-EHAcid, is expected to start production in the fourth quarter of 2016. The new plant will benefit from backward integration into the site, allowing high delivery reliability and maximizing efficient use of energy and feedstock.

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All-rounder Intermediate

2-Ethylhexanoic (2-EHAcid) acid is a chemical intermediate used as a compound for example in the production of synthetic lubricants as well oil additives. It is also used for functional fluids like automotive coolants, metal salts for paint dryers, plasticizers, stabilizers, catalysts and other applications in various industries. BASF operates a 2-EHAacid production plant at its Verbund site in Ludwigshafen, Germany.

In addition to the proposed plant, BASF Petronas Chemicals Sdn Bhd is also building an Integrated Aroma Ingredients Complex at its Kuantan site for the manufacturing of citronellol, L-menthol as well as citral and its precursors which are widely used in flavour and fragrance industry. Groundbreaking for the USD$500 million integrated aroma ingredients complex was done in April 2014 and the first plant is scheduled to come on stream in 2016.

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