Petrochemicals are chemical compounds that are derived from fossil fuels. They are essential building blocks for a wide range of products used in various industries, including plastics, synthetic fibers, rubber, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and more. Petrochemicals are typically produced through a process called petrochemical refining, which involves the conversion of hydrocarbons (compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon) found in crude oil or natural gas into more complex and specialized chemical compounds. This refining process involves various chemical reactions, separation techniques, and purification steps to extract specific components from the raw materials. Regarding petroleum, the petrochemical products which result from its refining process are determined by their density and are differentiated through boiling temperatures. They are the following:
- At ~20° Celsius liquid petroleum gas is produced, used primarily for heating and cooking.
- At ~70° Celsius naphtha is produced, an important chemical precursor to many products, primarily Plastic.
- At ~120° Celsius gasoline is produced, the most widespread motor engine fuel in the planet, powering all sorts of generators and vehicles.
- At ~180° Celsius paraffin is produced, a compound better known as jet fuel which is also useful as fuel for lighters and small lamps.
- At ~260° Celsius diesel is produced, an energy-dense liquid fuel used primarily in heavy vehicles such as tanks and trailers.
- At ~300° Celsius lubricants are produced, friction-reducing compounds critical to the smooth and reliable operation of all machines.
- At ~350° Celsius fuel oil is produced, a thick substance used as fuel in factories and ships.
- Hydrocarbons denser than fuel oil are residue, used primarily as road asphalt.