Thiochemicals Research

Overview  |  Key Contributions

Key Contributions

Primary products in the area of Thiochemicals Research include:

• Methanesulfonic acid (MSA) serves primarily as an electrolyte in metal plating for the electronics industry. MSA greatly reduces hazardous waste and increases plating efficiency when compared to other electrolytes. Recently, we introduced a new grade, called E-Pure MSA^® electrolytes, to the marketplace. We developed a new manufacturing technology for this product, which results in a higher-purity MSA with greatly reduced odor. Odor associated with our customers’ plating process has been a nagging issue with the electronics industry.
• Methanesulfonyl chloride (MSC) is an organic building block used primarily in the synthesis of a widely used photographic developer. MSC also plays a key role in the synthesis of protease inhibitors for AIDS treatments in the pharmaceutical industry. Due to its reactivity, MSC helps in the production of a wide variety of derivatives. For example, when MSC reacts with amines, the result is sulfonamides.
• Mercaptans act as a chaintransfer agent in emulsion polymerization and allow producers to tailor the molecular weight of their polymers for specific plastic and rubber applications. New mercaptan-based, chain-transfer agents under development at Arkema give the final polymer better molecular-weight control and improved physical properties.
• Dimethyldisulfide (DMDS) finds use in activating the catalysts that refineries employ to reduce the levels of sulfur in diesel fuel and gasoline, thereby reducing corrosion and pollution. Process improvement research has recently led to the development of a new, low-odor product, called DMDS Evolution, which is finding widespread acceptance in the refining industry. We are developing other technologies based on our sulfur-chemistry expertise to improve the activities of the sulfided catalyst, which will ultimately reduce costs for the refiner. DMDS and dimethylsulfide (DMS) reduce carbon monoxide and coke formation in furnaces, both of which plague ethylene producers. Carbon monoxide poisons, downstream hydrogenation catalysts, and coke formation result in costly shutdowns. We have developed a new anti-coking technology, called CLX, to address these problems.