Uses of Hexanedioic acid
Hexanedioic acid has various industrial applications primarily due to its ability to act as a synthetic intermediate. Some key uses of hexanedioic acid are:
Nylon Production
One of the most important uses of hexanedioic acid is in the production of nylon 66. In this process, hexanedioic acid reacts with hexamethylenediamine to form nylon polymer. Nylon produced from hexanedioic acid has high strength, elasticity and durability making it ideal for manufacturing textiles, carpet fibers, engineered resins and other articles. Currently, over 60% of the world's hexanedioic acid output is consumed by the nylon industry alone.
Polyurethanes Manufacturing
Hexanedioic acid also serves as an important monomer in the production of synthetic polyurethanes. In this reaction, hexanedioic acid links with diisocyanate to form polyurethane backbones. The polyurethanes derived from hexanedioic acid find applications as foams for insulation, upholstery, bedding; elastomers for footwear and adhesives. Flexible foam produced with hexanedioic acid is now commonly used in furniture, automotive interiors, packaging etc. Due to its growing end-use markets, polyurethanes have emerged as the second major application area attracting one-third of total hexanedioic acid volumes.
Plasticizers
Some Adipic Acid derivatives such as dialkyl adipates function as high-performance plasticizers imparting flexibility and workability to PVC compounds. Dioctyl adipate and Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate plasticizers made from hexanedioic acid are incorporated into a wide range of products like film, sheet, wire and cable coatings; flooring materials; pharmaceuticalStop capsules and bottles. Plasticized PVC finds usage in hoses, roofing materials, wall coverings, packaging films, coated fabrics, toys etc. This expands the end-uses of hexanedioic acid.
Other Uses
In addition to the above three, Adipic Acid also has applications in the synthesis of polyamides used in fiber industries, food additives and personal care items. It is also used as a corrosion inhibitor and pH regulator. Some other minor applications include production of chemical intermediates, lubricant additives and moulding compounds. Its stable six-carbon structure enables it to act as a building block in downstream specialty chemical synthesis routes.
Production Process
Hexamethylene diamine
Hexanedioic acid
- Raw Materials
Nylon 66
Polyurethanes
- End Products
Plasticizers
Other chemicals
Hexanedioic acid is commercially produced via a two-step oxidation of cyclohexanol or cyclohexane. In the first step, a mixture of cyclohexane and oxygen is catalyzed at high temperature to produce a reactor effluent containing cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol. This effluent is then air oxidized again in the presence of cobalt and manganese bromide catalyst at 150–200°C to yield crude hexanedioic acid. The crude product is further purified through crystallization to meet required specifications.
Hexamethylene diamine serves as the other raw material along with hexanedioic acid for nylon 66 production. This diamine is prepared through hydrogenation of adiponitrile synthesized from cyclohexanone. The entire production route from cyclohexane to Adipic Acid involves integration of oxidation, hydration, hydrogenation, crystallization and other unit operations.
This is primarily driven by the expanding applications base in polyurethanes and plasticizer sectors against a weak nylon industry. However, rising popularity of biobased alternatives pushes manufacturers to invest in adiponitrile-based routes as a green substitute for conventional cyclohexane process. Overall the market outlook appears positive given the chemical's strategic importance and diversity in end-use industries.
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