Petrochemicals Key Terms

Understand the petrochemicals used to manufacture items ranging from household appliances to clothing fabrics

By Deneatra Harmon

Petrochemicals come from raw materials such as petroleum, natural gas and coal. Most petrochemical liquids are colorless, organic, gaseous and flammable. Manufacturers can extract these sources, and then convert them into everyday products such as pharmaceuticals, paints, fertilizers, furniture, detergents, soaps, solvents, gas, rubber and plastics. Petrochemicals have applications in automotive parts, carpeting, films, adhesives and dozens of other processes. Before choosing the petrochemicals for your needs, it’s important to learn and understand some basic petrochemicals key terms and uses.

Aromatic hydrocarbons

The term aromatic refers to organic compounds that are identified by double bonds and a ring structure in chemistry. Aromatics produce strong odors. These petrochemical products are often found in oil refining and production.
Try: Wisegeek presents a straightforward guide on aromatic hydrocarbons.

Benzene

Benzene is one type of aromatic hydrocarbon that forms from natural products like coal and petroleum. It is a colorless yet powerful liquid used in the production of motor oils, detergents and pesticides.
Try: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration website provides general information about benzene, as well as standards for handling the chemical in the workplace.

Naphthenic

Flammable naphthenic oils are made from hydrogen and carbon. Also known as naphthalene, these oils are wax-free and are commonly used as solvents.
Try: Engineers Edge presents some common characteristics of naphthenic oils, such as low viscosity and good stability. Advanced Aromatics presents basic information and technical data regarding naphthalene.

Propylene

Propylene comes from raw materials that are used in other chemicals, fibers and plastic products. Propylene can also be combined with the chemical glycol to make cosmetics, animal feed, pharmaceuticals and food.
Try: The Dow Chemical Company features articles on propylene and propylene glycols. ExxonMobil also features resources on propylene and propylene derivatives like polypropylene, which is used in fabrics, appliances, films and packaging.

Toluene

One of the top petrochemicals, toluene is a colorless, organic solvent used in gasoline and crude oil.
Try: Toluene manufacturing information is located at the Sunoco Chemicals website. ICIS posts articles and reports about toluene and its prices, applications and suppliers.

Xylenes

The aromatic feedstock chemical xylene comes from natural gas and petroleum. Manufacturers use xylenes to make rubber, paints, adhesives and clothing.
Try: CQ Concepts includes materials safety data sheets and other information related to xylenes. Scorecard lists various uses of xylenes and xylene derivatives.