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This section provides an overview for phthalic anhydride as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 8 phthalic anhydride manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked phthalic anhydride companies as of December, 2024: 1.LANXESS, 2.POLYNT, 3.KANTO CHEMICAL CO.,INC..
Table of Contents
Phthalic anhydride, also known as 1,3-isobenzofurandione, is an acid anhydride derived from the dehydration-condensation of two carboxylic (carboxyl) groups in phthalic acid. This compound transforms back into phthalic acid upon exposure to moisture in the air.
Phthalic anhydride is primarily used to produce phthalic acid diesters, such as dioctyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate, which serve as plasticizers to soften plastics. It is also a key ingredient in the manufacturing of polyester resins, alkyd resins for synthetic resin paints, dyes like phenolphthalein, fluorescein, eosin, and raw materials for pharmaceuticals. These compounds are extensively utilized in products ranging from wallpaper and floor coverings to electrical wire insulation and PVC leather for furniture. In 2017, Japan produced over 160,000 tons, exporting about 50,000 tons internationally.
With a molecular formula of C8H4O3, phthalic anhydride is a pure white, needle-like crystalline powder or flake. It emits a slight pungent odor and has a density of 1.527 g/cm3, melting point of 130.8°C, boiling point of 284.5°C, flash point of 151.7°C, and ignition point of 570°C. It is soluble in alcohol, marginally soluble in ether and boiling water.
Phthalic anhydride is produced by the intramolecular dehydration of phthalic acid or by oxidizing naphthalene or ortho-xylene in the gas phase using vanadium pentoxide as a catalyst. The process can be categorized into fluidized-bed or fixed-bed methods, involving reaction, condensation, and distillation stages. The efficiency of this process results in approximately 85% yield of phthalic anhydride.
Vanadium-based catalysts are commonly used, supported on materials like silica, alumina, silicon carbide, or pumice stone, with the reaction occurring within 0.1 to 0.5 seconds at temperatures between 400 to 500℃.
Phthalic anhydride is instrumental in synthesizing phenolphthalein, a widely used acid-base indicator, through the intermolecular dehydration reaction of phthalic acid and phenol. It also serves as a protecting group for primary amine groups in organic synthesis.
The health and environmental impacts of phthalate plasticizers have been scrutinized, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, after over half a century of global usage, including in medical applications, the risks posed by phthalate plasticizers are considered manageable, with no immediate need for further regulation beyond current measures.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Stepan Company is a global specialty and intermediate chemical manufacturer since 1932. The company has its headquarters in Illinois, United States, with production facilities across 11 countries. Stepan manufactures surfactants, which are ingredients in consumer products such as hard surface cleaners, laundry detergents, shampoos, and body wash. The company also provides customized solutions for the oilfield, agricultural, and construction markets. Stepan company is a major supplier of polyurethane polyols, which are used in the thermal insulation market, as well as fats and oils for the pharmaceutical, nutrition, and dietary supplement industries.
ChemCeed, founded in 2009 and headquartered in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, is a worldwide chemical supplier that is ISO 9001 certified. It provides chemicals like base oils, corrosion inhibitors, and specialty esters used in several industries, including construction, paper manufacturing, and water treatment. It also provides a broad selection of support services, including labeling, repackaging, and logistical support. The company stocks its products in several locations around the United States, including Chicago (IL), Philadelphia (PA, and Piscataway (NJ). In 2016, it received WBE certification and was NACD verified in 2023.
The Chemical Company (TCC) was founded in 1988 in Jamestown, Rhode Island. TCC is a distributor of chemicals, composites, and plastics. TCC strategically sources materials to provide customers with secure product supply to ensure longterm supply security. TCC’s product categories include C.A.S.E. (coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers) such as adipic acid and casein, flame retardants such as dicyandiamide and calcium chloride, silanes, acid such as boric acid and citric acid, water treatment such as melatonin and nicotinamide, intermediates such as acetone, fertilizer & crop nutrition such as ammonium sulfate, and polymer additives such as resorcinol and zinc borate.
Kanto Chemical Co. Inc., founded in 1944 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a reagent manufacturer with overseas affiliates in other countries, including China, France, USA, Taiwan, and Malaysia. Its product portfolio includes analytical reagents, ionic liquids, Iodine compounds, ultra-pure chemicals, and water analysis kits. The company is also developing regenerative medicine and genetics reagents and has over 50,000 products. It has several certifications, including ISO 9001, acquired in 1994, making it the first Japanese company in the reagent industry. Other certifications are ISO 14001, ISO 13485, and ISO/IEC 17025.
POLYNT, in Scanzorosciate, Bergamo, in 1955 is a manufacturer of organic anhydrides and their derivatives. The company's product portfolio includes vinyl ester resins, bonding pastes, unsaturated polyester resins, malic acid, and bonding pastes. Their products are used in industries such as Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology, Chemical and Petrochemical, Environmental Testing and healthcare. They also provide services such as production planning and raw materials supply , Production process, and quality control and logistics.
LANXESS AG, established in 2004 and headquartered in Cologne, Germany, is a specialty chemical manufacturer. The company emerged from a restructuring process within Bayer AG, a German pharmaceutical and biotechnology company. As part of this transformation, certain chemical and polymer business units were spun off to create LANXESS as an independent entity. Under various brand names like Bayferrox and Colortherm for synthetic inorganic pigments, Lewatit for ion exchange resins, Bayoxide for iron oxide adsorbers, and Rely+On for disinfectant solutions, LANXESS offers a diverse range of products. These serve various industries, including agriculture, automotive, biosecurity, construction, microbial control, and mining.
Nacalai Tesque Inc., founded in 1846 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of research chemicals, fine chemicals, diagnostics, and the related instruments. Some of its products include cytokines, nucleic acid electrophoresis, cell dissociation reagents, and sialic acid-related products, and it also offers custom and bulk service for bulk reagents and cell culture media. The company has more than 50 domestic distributors and several worldwide, including Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, Europe, and Africa. It is ISO 9001 and ISO 9002 certified, while the Kyoto South brand and Tesque factory are ISO 14001 certified.
Global ChemSources, Inc. is a distributor and supplier of fine chemicals, natural products, vitamins, and bulk actives established in 1995 and is headquartered in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. It supplies various chemicals, including 2-ethyl hexanol, benzoic acid, mono pentaerythritol 98%, sulfamic acid, and tung oil. These products are used in food and beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and coating industries. The company also provides custom synthesis services for chemical products by sourcing a qualified supplier for each customer. All products supplied by Global Chemsources adhere to EN ISO 9001 and EN ISO 14001 quality standards.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LANXESS |
20.7%
|
| 2 | POLYNT |
14.8%
|
| 3 | KANTO CHEMICAL CO.,INC. |
14.1%
|
| 4 | The Chemical Co. |
11.3%
|
| 5 | Stepan Company |
10.8%
|
| 6 | nacalai |
10.4%
|
| 7 | Global ChemSources, Inc. |
9.2%
|
| 8 | ChemCeed LLC |
8.7%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the phthalic anhydride page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
3 | 50.0% |
|
Japan
|
2 | 33.3% |
|
Italy
|
1 | 16.7% |
