Karoon Petrochemical: The First Nitrobenzene Producer in the Middle East

The construction of the second phase of Karoon Petrochemical Plant, a joint project by Iranian and Swedish engineering companies, has been completed.

The largest and only nitrobenzene production unit in the Middle East. Photo credit: tasnimnews.com

(TEHRAN) - Through the sole efforts of young Iranian experts, the largest and only nitrobenzene production unit in the Middle East has been launched in Karoon Petrochemical Company.

As the Tasnim News Agency wrote in 2013, the main product of the plant is Toluene diisocyanate (TDI), with the capacity of 40,000 tons per year.

"Karoon also produces Hydrochloric Acid and Sodium Hypochlorite in form of by-products. The company’s products and services are designed to provide domestic downstream industries with high quality raw material. Also, the company is entering the global competition in the field of Isocyanates market."

The article explains that the second phase of the complex which was recently completed, "will produce 40,000 tons per year of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) in addition to nitrobenzene and ethylene."

The first phase of the joint project started in 2002 in Imam Khomeini Port's Special Economic Zone and was officially inaugurated in the winter of 2008.

About 95 percent of nitrobenzene is used to produce Aniline, which is the raw material in production of rubber chemicals, pesticides, paints, explosives and medicines.

Nitrobenzene is yellowish in color, consisting of an oil with bitter almond-like odor. After freezing, it turns into yellow-green crystals. Nitrobenzene is produced on a large scale as a precursor for production of Aniline.

In laboratories, it is used as solvent, especially for electrophilic reagents. The preparation of nitrobenzene is one of the world's most dangerous processes in the chemical industry because the productive reaction of nitrobenzene is highly exothermic.

Despite the sanctions that have gripped Iran, the nation's petrochemical products are being exported to over 65 countries. Iran started diversifying its petrochemical products and finding new markets n recent years.

Sources include: www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2013/09/22/146498/iran-sweden-petrochemical-plant-to-become-operational-soon