Benzene
A primary petrochemical building block used in the production of stryene, phenol and caprolactam. Benzene is an aromatic compound consisting of six carbon unsaturated ring structure. Benzene is produced predominantly as a by-product from naphtha or heavy liquid cracking.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an intermediate for polycarbonate resins and epoxy resins, and is used in various minor applications of coatings. It is manufactured by from phenol and acetone in the presence of an acid catalyst, and typically in solid form. BPA is produced in all regions. Alternative names for BPA include: 4,4'-(1-methylethylidene)bis-phenol, 4,4'-isopropylidenedi-phenol
Brent Crude Oil
Brent Crude Oil is a blend of crude oil streams produced from the Brent and Ninian Fields in the North Sea. This crude blend is noted as a benchmark crude as it is traded under contract with prices determined by open market activity on the International Petroleum Exchange in London. Brent crude is a light, sweet crude and usually trades at a premium to heavier Middle Eastern grades, and is most suited for the production of gasoline and middle distillates.
Butadiene
Butadiene is the first member for the olefin chemical family with two double bonds, consisting of four carbons joined by alternate single and double bonds (1,2 propadiene which has three carbon atoms separated by two double bonds only is not a useful chemical owing to its high self reactivity) The largest use for butadiene is in the production of synthetic rubbers, with the majority produced as a by-product from steam crackers.
Butane
Butane is a gas in the LPG family of petroleum gases that can be separated from the gas stream that is often associated with crude oil as it leaves an oil well. Butane is a four carbon hydrocarbon that can either be arranged as a straight chain (n-butane) or branched (iso-butane). Butane extracted from associated gas is most usually a mixture of these two isomers. N-Butane is more highly valued as a petrochemical feedstock as it yields more ethylene in a steam cracker, while iso-butane has a higher value in gasoline production.
Butyl Acetate
Butyl acetate is most commonly prepared by esterification, the reaction of acetic acid with n-butyl alcohol. The major end-use for butyl acetate is as a medium-boiling solvent for lacquers and enamels. It is also used as an active solvent for cellulosic resins, chlorinated rubber, polystyrene and methacrylate resins.