Paraxylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon used primarily to make intermediates in the manufacture of polyester for bottles, fibres or film. It is the main feedstock for purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and dimethyl terephthalate (DMT). These intermediates in turn are used to make polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for use in fibres for textiles, bottles for soft drinks and water, as well as some film. Demand growth in the polyester chain is well above GDP in Europe, the US and Asia.
Paraxylene supply can be limited by the value of xylenes, used as a low vapour pressure, high octane blend component in gasoline.
Paraxylene is separated out from the mixed xylene stream. In conventional paraxylene technology, isomerisation of mixed xylenes takes place through crystallisation or adsorptive separation. Alternative technologies include toluene disproportionation, which yields paraxylene and benzene co-product.
The BP-UOP Cyclar process, in which propane and butane are converted to paraxylene and benzene, has been used in Saudi Arabia.
Paraxylene is a colourless, flammable liquid with a sweet odour.
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