Thiochemicals

The Thiochemicals Business Unit comprises three worldwide departments:

• Methylmercaptan and Derivatives (thiochemicals)

• Mercaptans, Thioglycolics and Specialties (thiochemicals)

• Amines and Oxygenated Solvents

 

The Business Unit has 9 production facilities: 6 in Europe (Lacq, Mourenx, La Chambre, Lesgor, Rion-des-Landes  and Rotterdam) and 3 in the United States (Beaumont, Houston and Mobile). Arkema's thiochemicals operations developed in the early 1960s following the discovery of a major natural gas field in the Lacq region of France, from which hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is extracted. Today, Arkema is a world leader in this segment. The Thiochemicals Business Unit offers a wide range of products for highly diverse markets.

 

The Thiochemicals Business Unit produces and markets

 

Mercaptans, used primarily as feedstock in the manufacture of amino acids for animal feed, as chain transfer agents for polymerization, and as intermediates in agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals

 

Odorizers for natural gas

 

Thioglycolic esters and acid, used in the manufacture of PVC additives and cosmetics

 

Sulfides and polysulfides, used primarily as additives for lubricants and as sulfurizing agents in steamcrackers and refineries

 

Sulfonyls, used primarily as catalysts in chemical reactions, as intermediates in agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, and as electroplating baths

 

DMSO, used as a synthesis and formulation solvent

 

In amines and oxygenated solvents, the Business Unit offers

 

Alkylamines, used primarily as intermediates in agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, as a catalyst for foundry resin, and as feedstock for rubber additives and more complex amines

 

DEHA, used mostly as a polymerization additive and an intermediate in water treatment

 

Oxygenated solvents (MEK, MIBK, isophorone), used primarily as solvents in the coatings, adhesives, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical industries

 

In addition, French subsidiary MLPC (Manufacture Landaise de Produits Chimiques), which operates plants in Lesgor and Rion-des -Landes, chiefly offers rubber and adhesive additives, as well as intermediates for the chemical and agrochemical segments.