The oxosynthesis process involves the reaction of syngas with olefinic hydrocarbons to form a mixture of short chained aldehydes (containing 3 to 15 carbons) which are subsequently converted to alcohols, acids, or other chemicals used in solvents, synthetic detergents, flavorings, perfumes and other cosmetic products, healthcare products (such as Vitamin A), surfactants, and other high value commodity chemicals including plasticizers for flexible PVC.
Syngas is a gaseous mixture consisting primarily of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and is produced from the gasification of feedstocks at high temperatures under conditions where the amount of oxygen is less than what is needed for complete combustion. Syngas can be produced from natural gas, petroleum products, coal, and biomass.
Oxosynthesis processes are the fourth largest commercial use of syngas. Worldwide production of oxo-aldehydes and alcohols was 6.5 million tons/year in 1997 and production is expected to increase by nearly 1 million tons over the next 5 years. For 2002, the market price for most oxo products ranged from $0.44 to $0.68/lb. Oxochemical producers in the U.S. include BASF Chemicals, Celanese Chemicals, Dow Chemicals, Eastman Chemicals, ExxonMobile Chemicals, Shell Chemicals, Sterling Chemicals, and Sunoco.