Chemical Glossary

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Caprolactam

Caprolactam is a six-carbon one-nitrogen ring that is used to produce nylon 6. The caprolactam ring is opened through hydrolysis and the linear chains are polymerized in a continuous process to produce nylon 6.

Chlorine

Chlorine is a member of the halogen grouping of elements, noted for their high reactivity. Chlorine is also highly toxic and is therefore rarely transported any distance, being produced and consumed at the same site. Chlorine is produced by the electro-chemical separation from brine (concentrated salt-water), which is a highly power-intensive process that also co-produces caustic soda.

Chlorobenzene

Chlorobenzene is produced by the chlorination of benzene in the liquid phase. The major use of chlorobenzene is as an intermediate for the production of nitrochlorobenzenes and diphenyl oxide, which are used to produce herbicides, dyes and rubber.

Crude Oil

Crude oil is a naturally occurring liquid that consists of a wide mixture of hydrocarbons created by the high pressure and temperature decomposition of organic materials. Commercially viable crude oil reserves are found in distinct geographic regions, with the Middle East, the North Sea and Venezuela featuring amongst the key sources of supply. The vast majority of transportation fuels and petrochemical feedstocks are derived from the processing of crude oil.

Cumene

Cumene is a chemical intermediate almost exclusively consumed in the production of phenol. Cumene is a propylene derivative produced by the reaction of propylene and benzene. Cumene production is widespread geographically, and almost all new plants are integrated with phenol. Alternative names for cumene include: isopropyl benzene, (1-methylethyl)benzene, 2-phenylpropane

Cyclohexane

Cyclohexane is a six-carbon saturated ring and is an intermediate in the production of nylon. In nylon production, it is used to produce KA oil, which is oxidized with nitric acid to produce adipic acid, which is then reacted with HMDA to produce nylon 6,6. It is also used as a solvent in many chemical processes.
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