Petrochemicals are chemical products derived from petroleum or natural gas. They are categorized as basic petrochemicals or intermediate petrochemicals based on the complexity of the manufacturing process. Basic petrochemicals are crude oil derivatives obtained through cracking and distillation. Intermediate petrochemicals are manufactured through further chemical reactions from basic petrochemicals. This article lists and briefly describes the top 15 petrochemicals based on production volume worldwide.

Ethylene

Ethylene is the most abundant and widely used basic Top 15 Petrochemicals produced annually worldwide at over 165 million tons. It is primarily used to manufacture polyethylene, ethylene glycol, ethylene oxide, and vinyl acetate. Polyethylene is used extensively in plastic products for food packaging, containers, plastic pipes, and bags. Other ethylene derivatives are key ingredients in antifreeze, fibers, detergents, and plastics.

Propylene

Propylene ranks second with over 100 million tons produced annually. Its major end uses include polypropylene, propylene oxide, acrylonitrile, and cumene. Polypropylene has applications in packaging films, textiles, plastic parts, and Thermoset plastics. Propylene oxide is used to produce polyurethane rigid and flexible foams for insulation, automotive and furniture industries.

Benzene

Benzene is a basic aromatic petroleum-derived chemical with over 50 million tons produced annually. Major benzene derivatives include ethylbenzene, cumene, cyclohexane, nitrobenzene, and alkylbenzene. Styrene production from ethylbenzene accounts for over 25% of global benzene consumption. Styrene is used to produce polymers like polystyrene and styrene-butadiene rubber. Cumene production is also a significant end use.

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