CEH Report

Table of Contents

Abstract

The main product categories covered in this report are organoaluminums, organotins, organolithiums and organomagnesiums.

Organoaluminums are used primarily as catalysts for the synthesis of polymers, including polypropylene, polyethylene and several elastomers. Use as a catalyst for other syntheses includes olefin oligomerization and the Dimersol process for gasoline production. Furthermore, organoaluminums are used in the synthesis of other organometallics and as reducing agents.

Organotins are split by application into two groups—biocidal and nonbiocidal. Nonbiocidal organotins are used largely as additives for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), but also in catalysis of several products, including rigid polyurethanes and silicones. Biocidal organotins are used in agriculture as fungicides and miticides, and as preservatives/antifoulants on wood surfaces, in closed-circuit cooling towers and in marine paints.

Organolithiums are used as catalysts for polybutadiene elastomer production and in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. Organomagnesiums are used as catalysts for polyolefin production and in the synthesis of pharmaceutical and fine chemicals.

The following pie chart shows world consumption of organometallics by type:

The overall business environment for organometallics is characterized in part by the following:

• Greater regulations and restrictions (e.g., tributyltins in markets such as biocides/paint and PVC stabilizers). Because of stricter environmental demands, organotin antifoulants have been phased out and replaced by copper-based alternatives.
• Rising raw material (metals) costs affecting development of markets for some organometallics in certain applications (e.g., organotin stabilizers).
• Steadily falling demand in some regions such as Western Europe for organometallics (e.g., tin derivatives) in applications such as agriculture, rigid polyvinyl chloride.