This PERP report provides an overview of mononitrobenzene, aniline and MDI technology, including a discussion of both generic and proprietary commercialized production routes.  Overview of the MDI business, the production economics and market conditions for major regions are included.

This report reviews the ortho-xylene and naphthalene routes to phthalic anhydride (PAN) production as well as details the separation of ortho-xylene from mixed xylenes and the naphthalene distillation from coal tar.  The PAN cost of production via those two routes for plants located in the United States, Western Europe, South Korea, and China has been estimated for the first quarter of 2016.  Nexant also commented on the motivations behind the recent capacity additions and closures and provided a high-level analysis of the business and strategic considerations, as well as the technology availability from the perspective of a company entering or expanding into the PAN market.  This analysis is underpinned by a review of end-use sector consumption as well as regional market dynamics. 

The report provides an analysis of the commercial acetylene-based and ethylene-based technologies for the production of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), including a review of proprietary processes developed by major VAM producers. Cost of production estimates are included to illustrate the cost competitiveness of different routes in selected regions. A market review including regional capacities and supply/demand figures is also presented.

Commercial oxo alcohols production technologies (hydroformylation/hydrogenation) are reviewed, with a focus on n-butanol, 2-ethylhexanol (2-EH), 2-propylheptanol (2-PH), and isononanol (INA).  Reviews current developments in oxo alcohols catalyst and process technology, global supply and demand for n-butanol, 2-EH, and isobutanol.  Includes strategic analysis of technical and market outlook for oxo alcohols with a focus on prospects for market entry.