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Intermediate chemicals Monochloroacetic acid
Monochloroacetic acid (MCA) is a typical intermediate compound. It contains a carbon-chloride bond which is very reactive and can be converted into different carbon-carbon bonds. It is used to produce drugs, dyes and pesticides.
Our developments
Nobian (a Nouryon company) produces monochloroacetic acid using chlorine from Delfzijl and acetic acid from Rotterdam. Currently, these materials are produced from petrochemicals. Attempts were made to convert sugar beets into acetic acid, but this process was not cost effective. However, research Nouryon works hard on biogenic production of acetic acid and this process looks promising.
Companies involved
Nobian is the world’s single largest producer of monochloroacetic acid, using a patented hydrogenation technology.
