Application and Market of 1,4-butanediol Production of Reppe Method in China

Abstract

The industrial prodn. methods of 1,4-butanediol (BDO) are: maleic anhydride method (Davy-McKee), butadiene-acetic acid method (Mitsubishi Chem.), propylene oxide method (Lyondell), Reppe method, etc. Among these methods, only the Reppe process has achieved rapid development in China, with capacity far exceeding that of other petrochem. feedstock methods, because China has abundant mineral resources (e.g., coal and calcium carbide) where cheap feedstock is available for the prodn. of 1,4-butanediol. There are three key steps in the prodn. of 1, 4-butynediol by the Reppe method (methanol oxidn., alkynylation of formaldehyde and acetylene, and hydrogenation of 1, 4-butynediol). In recent years, Chinese enterprises have continuously explored and optimized these technologies introduced from abroad, and made some progress in process, equipment, catalyst, environmental protection and other related application technologies, which has promoted the technol. progress of the industry. The latest statistical anal. is made on the application and market status of Reppe process for 1,4-butanediol prodn. in China, and some opinions are put forward for the development of enterprises and 1,4-butanediol industry in the future, hoping to provide meaningful ref. for the development of industry. [on SciFinder(R)]