The global cumene market is expected to reach USD 28.2
billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Rising
demand for phenol from various key end use applications such as construction
materials, pharmaceuticals, and adhesives, coupled with advancements in the
production process of the chemical is expected to drive market growth over the
forecast period.
Cumene or isopropylbenzene is
derived from the reaction between benzene and propylene. It is produced by
using catalysts such as zeolite, aluminum chloride, and phosphoric acid.
Isopropylbenzene is mainly used for the production of acetone and phenol. The
usage of aluminum chloride and solid phosphoric acid as catalysts in the
production process have several disadvantages such as environmental hazard,
catalyst non-renewability and high corrosion. These factors have resulted in a
shift toward using zeolite as catalysts for production.
Phenol application segment
dominated the global demand in 2016. Cumene is mainly used for the production
of various phenol derivatives, which includes bisphenol A, caprolactam, and
alkyl phenols. These byproducts are used in end use industries such as
household appliances, adhesives, construction materials and electronic
appliances. The global growth in construction, packaging, electronics and
pharmaceuticals industry is expected to contribute a rise in demand for phenol
byproducts thus benefitting the overall cumene market growth over the forecast
period.
Excessive exposure of cumene can
cause adverse effects on human health such as dizziness, headaches, and
unconsciousness. It also causes irritation of skin and eyes. Fluctuating oil
& gas prices is a cause of concern for cumene producers. However, major
producers have integrated themselves among the value chain to deal with price
fluctuations.
Further key findings from the report suggest:
- Zeolite
production process emerged as the largest segment in 2016 and is expected
to generate USD 17.9 billion by 2025. The segment is expected to grow at
an expected CAGR of 4.3% over the next eight years.
- Phenol
segment is expected to grow at an anticipated CAGR of 4.8% over the
forecast period. Strong demand from end use industries such as
construction and electronics for by products is a major contributing
factor for this scenario.
- The market in
Asia Pacific region is projected to witness substantial growth over the
forecast period owing to strong demand from countries such as China,
India, Japan and South Korea
- Key industry
participants include ExxonMobil, BASF SE, China Petroleum & Chemical
Corporation, Total S.A., Sinopec Group Ltd., Saudi Basic Industries
Corporation, and Dow Chemical Company

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