The Thiochemicals Business Unit comprises three worldwide departments:
Methylmercaptan and Derivatives (thiochemicals)
Mercaptans, Thioglycolics and Specialties (thiochemicals)
Oxygenated Solvents
The Business Unit has 9 production facilities: 6 in Europe (Lacq, Mourenx, La Chambre, Lesgor, Rion-des-Landes and Rotterdam) and 3 in the United States (Beaumont, Houston and Mobile). Arkema's thiochemicals operations developed in the early 1960s following the discovery of a major natural gas field in the Lacq region of France, from which hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is extracted. Today, Arkema is a world leader in this segment. The Thiochemicals Business Unit offers a wide range of products for highly diverse markets.
The Thiochemicals Business Unit produces and markets
Mercaptans, used primarily as feedstock in the manufacture of amino acids for animal feed, as chain transfer agents for polymerization, and as intermediates in agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals
Odorizers for natural gas
Thioglycolic esters and acid, used in the manufacture of PVC additives and cosmetics
Sulfides and polysulfides, used primarily as additives for lubricants and as sulfurizing agents in steamcrackers and refineries
Sulfonyls, used primarily as catalysts in chemical reactions, as intermediates in agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, and as electroplating baths
DMSO, used as a synthesis and formulation solvent
In oxygenated solvents, the Business Unit offers
Oxygenated solvents (MEK, MIBK, isophorone), used primarily as solvents in the coatings, adhesives, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical industries
In addition, French subsidiary MLPC (Manufacture Landaise de Produits Chimiques), which operates plants in Lesgor and Rion-des -Landes, chiefly offers rubber and adhesive additives, as well as intermediates for the chemical and agrochemical segments.
