Additives

Plasticizer Alcohols

C₈ through C₁₀ normal alpha olefins are used to produce primary C₉ through C₁₁ plasticizer alcohols via hydroformylation or oxo chemistries. The phthalate plasticizers produced from these alcohols gave superior properties to those made from 2-ethyl 1-hexanol. The same chemistry is used to produce C₁₃ to C₁₅ synthetic detergent alcohols from C₁₂ and C₁₄ normal alpha olefins.

Alkenyl Succinic Anhydrides

Alkenyl succinic anhydrides (ASAs) are prepared by heating normal alpha olefins and maleic anhydride to approximately 200°C. Some ASAs are used as dispersants in lube oils and automatic transmission fluids, and as pour-point depressants in lube and crude oils. Others are converted to acid amides, half esters, and diesters. One of the largest applications for ASA is as the paper sizing agent in alkaline media. For this use, normal alpha olefins C₁₆ or C₁₈ are isomerized to a thermodynamic distribution of internal olefins, which are then reacted with maleic anhydride to produce the desired liquid ASA.

Polyvinylchloride Lubricants & Stabilizers

Heat and pressure are applied during the extrusion of polyvinylchloride (PVC) as it moves through the die. Lubricants (waxes) are compounded into the PVC to ensure proper lubrication in the extruder and to control fusion of the PVC compound. Normal alpha olefin C₃₀₊ is the preferred lubricant for this application.

During the extrusion process, PVC often begins to decompose. Various materials are used to retard this degradation, including dibutyl or dioctyl tin oxides and/or dioctyl tin mercaptides. These compounds are made using tin (IV) chloride and the corresponding aluminum alkyls, which in turn are derived from normal alpha olefins. The mercaptans used to make the tin mercaptides are usually made from normal alpha olefins.