Adipic acid is primarily used in the production of nylon 6,6, as well as in the manufacturing of polyurethanes and polyester resins. Feedstocks include benzene,cyclohexane and ammonia. End-user products include automotive textiles, shoes and shoe soles.
The fibres made from nylon 6,6, are durable, tough, and abrasion resistant, which suits them for the manufacture of tyre cord. They are easy to colour, which gives them a secure place in the carpet market. The additional attributes of mouldability or processability make nylon 6,6, suitable for the engineering plastics market, and end-user products include automotive textiles, shoes and shoe soles.
Adipic acid is produced by oxidizing cyclohexane. Cyclohexane is oxidized with air over a cobalt naphthenate catalyst to give a mixture of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone. These two products are separated from the unreacted cyclohexane and then hit with a 50%s nitric acid solution. That opens up with C ring and adipic acid is formed. Yields are in the 90-95% range.
Exposure to adipic acid irritates the eyes, nose and throat as well as affecting the respiratory system. Adipic acid decomposes on heating, producing toxic and corrosive fumes of valeric acid and other substances.
ICIS pricing quotes Adipic Acid in Europe and Asia-Pacific.
To find out more Adipic Acid Methodology September 2013
