Speciality Nitriles

Acetonitrile

INEOS manufactures and markets Acetonitrile globally. Our global manufacturing capability reflects our commitment to the marketplace.

Acetonitrile is ideally suited for chemical analysis, extractive purification, and organic and biochemical reactions. For example, Acetonitrile is used as a solvent in the production of insulin and antibiotics and as a raw material in the production of naturally occurring pesticides.

INEOS is the world leader in the manufacture, marketing, and safe handling of Acetonitrile, with two production facilities located in the US. Acetonitrile is manufactured as a co-product in our process for the manufacture of Acrylonitrile by ammoxidation of propylene.

We recover and purify Acetonitrile to very high purity standards through our proprietary technology.

Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)

Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) is produced as a co-product during the INEOS Nitriles’ Acrylonitrile manufacturing process. We recover and purify the HCN, creating a feedstock for many useful products.

In addition to the manufacture of Acetone Cyanohydrin (ACH), some other examples of HCN derivatives include:

• Sodium Cyanide
• Adiponitrile (a raw material for manufacture of nylon)
• Chelates (used in detergents, water treatment chemicals, pulp and paper industry and photo chemicals)
• Methionine (an essential amino acid)

Acetone Cyanohydrin (ACH)

INEOS Nitriles produces Acetone Cyanohydrin (ACH) at its Green Lake, Texas Acrylonitrile plant from the reaction of co-product hydrogen cyanide with acetone. INEOS Nitriles is one of the largest ACH producers in the United States.

Acetone cyanohydrin is a primary feedstock used in producing methacrylic acid and its esters, principally methyl methacrylate (MMA). The largest market for MMA is the manufacture of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) resins, which find their way into acrylic sheet and moulding and extrusion compounds used to manufacture a variety of construction and household improvement items, such as hot tubs.

MMA is also used to manufacture surface coatings (paints) used in the automotive and architectural markets. ACH is also used to manufacture halogenated water treatment chemicals for the pool and spa market.

Ammonium Sulphate

Ammonium Sulphate is a co-product in INEOS Nitriles’ process during the manufacturing of Acrylonitrile during the ammoxidation of propylene. Ammonium Sulphate slurry is formed from the neutralisation of ammonia with sulphuric acid and is then recovered via a centrifugal separation and dried. The INEOS Köln (Germany) plant then recovers Ammonium Sulphate to standard market specifications and sell the product in crystalline form.

Ammonium Sulphate is used in various industrial areas but its key application is the fertilizer industry where it is used as one of the building blocks of fertilizers. It is largely used as an artificial fertilizer for alkaline soils. The sulphate ion is released in the soil and forms sulphuric acid, lowering its PH balance while contributing essential nitrogen for plant growth.