WHAT IS IT?
Adipic acid (HOOC-(CH₂)₄-COOH) is a white crystalline dicarboxylic acid. It is the most commercially important aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, produced primarily from cyclohexane (which comes from benzene hydrogenation). It is the key monomer for nylon-6,6 (PA66).
HOW IS IT MADE?
Benzene → Cyclohexane (hydrogenation) → Cyclohexanol/Cyclohexanone (KA Oil) → Adipic Acid (nitric acid oxidation)
N₂O (nitrous oxide) is a major by-product — a potent greenhouse gas. Modern plants recover and destroy N₂O.
KEY USES
Nylon-6,6 (PA66): Adipic acid + HMDA → PA66. Automotive, textiles, engineering plastics. Largest use (~65%).
Polyurethane polyols: Flexible foams for furniture and automotive seating.
Plasticisers: Dioctyl adipate (DOA) for PVC — low-temperature flexibility for cable insulation.
Food additive: E355 — acidulant and flavour enhancer (sour taste).
Lubricant components.
TRADE CORRIDORS
Major producers: China (dominant), BASF (Germany), Invista (USA), Ascend Performance Materials (USA)
Major buyers: Nylon manufacturers in China, South Korea, Europe
Tetra relevance: China and South Korea automotive/textile supply chains.
PRICING BASIS
No formal exchange. Spot market: CFR China, FOB China. Tracks benzene and cyclohexane cost as upstream driver.
SPECIFICATIONS
Purity: min 99.7%
Colour (APHA): max 10
Moisture: max 0.2%
Iron: max 1 ppm
Nitric acid (as HNO₃): max 0.002%
Form: white powder or flakes