Abstract
1,2-Butylene oxide (BO) is a crucial chemical raw material and intermediate that is extensively utilized in organic synthesis, coatings, adhesives, plastics, and surfactants. The primary industrial production routes for BO are the chlorohydrin process, peroxyacetic acid process, and cumene hydroperoxidation (CHP) process. The chlorohydrin process has the advantages of short process flow and low production cost, but is now facing obsolescence because of environmental pollution. The volume of peroxyacetic acid process is small, mainly concentrated in the field of medicine. The CHP process was first applied in industry last year, with high purity and flexible production process, providing a feasible way to achieve energy saving and low carbon. The ethylbenzene to butylene oxide (EBHP) process, hydrogen peroxide to butylene oxide (HPBO) process, and direct oxidation process have not been industrialized due to technical, economic, and safety concerns. In 2022, the global BO market revenue was approximately $ 70 million. Given the rapid development of global industry and the lack of feasible alternatives, the demand for 1,2-butylene oxide keeps rising, with the Asian region emerging as the primary driver of the market's expansion. The global BO market revenue is expected to reach 100 million dollars in 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7.4 % from 2022 to 2027. By analyzing the advances in BO production technology and changes in market consumption trends, it is proposed that with the need of energy saving and emission reduction, choosing CHP process will promote transformation and upgrading of refining enterprises to achieve sustainable development.
