Thiochemicals

The Thiochemicals Business Unit comprises three worldwide departments:

• Methylmercaptan and Derivatives (thiochemicals)

• Mercaptans, Thioglycolics and Specialties (thiochemicals)

• Amines and Oxygenated Solvents

The Business Unit has 9 production facilities: 6 in Europe (Lacq, Mourenx, La Chambre, Lesgor, Rion-des-Landes  and Rotterdam) and 3 in the United States (Beaumont, Houston and Mobile). Arkema's thiochemicals operations developed in the early 1960s following the discovery of a major natural gas field in the Lacq region of France, from which hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is extracted. Today, Arkema is a world leader in this segment. The Thiochemicals Business Unit offers a wide range of products for highly diverse markets.

The Thiochemicals Business Unit produces and markets

Mercaptans, used primarily as feedstock in the manufacture of amino acids for animal feed, as chain transfer agents for polymerization, and as intermediates in agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals

Odorizers for natural gas

Thioglycolic esters and acid, used in the manufacture of PVC additives and cosmetics

Sulfides and polysulfides, used primarily as additives for lubricants and as sulfurizing agents in steamcrackers and refineries

Sulfonyls, used primarily as catalysts in chemical reactions, as intermediates in agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, and as electroplating baths

DMSO, used as a synthesis and formulation solvent

In amines and oxygenated solvents, the Business Unit offers

Alkylamines, used as intermediates or neutralizing agents in fine chemicals or as special monomers or catalysts for resins.

DEHA, used mostly as a polymerization additive and an oxygen scavenger in boilers water treatment.

Oxygenated Solvents (DAA, HG, IPHO, MIBC, MIBK, OM), are used in various applications in intermediates synthesis as well as in formulation.

In addition, French subsidiary MLPC (Manufacture Landaise de Produits Chimiques), which operates plants in Lesgor and Rion-des -Landes, chiefly offers rubber and adhesive additives, as well as intermediates for the chemical and agrochemical segments.