BASF & Petronas to build 2-EHAcid plant

BASF and Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG) will build a new world-scale production plant for 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHAcid) at the site of their existing joint venture, BASF Petronas Chemicals, in Kuantan, Malaysia.
Construction of the plant, which will be the first of its kind in the ASEAN region, is expected to commence in Q2 of 2015. With a total capacity of 30,000t/yr of 2-EHAcid, it is expected to start production in Q4 of 2016. The plant will benefit from backward integration into the site, allowing high delivery reliability and maximising efficient use of energy and feedstock.
2-EHAcid is a chemical intermediate used as a compound for example in the production of synthetic lubricants, as well as oil additives. It is also used for functional fluids like automotive coolants, metal salts for paint dryers, plasticisers, stabilisers, catalysts etc.
BASF operates a 2-EHAacid production plant at its Verbund site in Ludwigshafen, Germany.