Petroleum Refining Processes

Before beginning our study of pure organic chemicals, we need to obtain some background into the chemistry of petroleum, since it is from this source that nearly all the major organic chemicals are derived. Table 7.1 lists the seven important organic chemicals, all of which are obtained by petroleum refining processes: ethylene, propylene, the butylenes, benzene, toluene, xylene, and methane. From these are made all 31 highest volume organic chemicals (some have more than one source and are listed twice). It seems appropriate that we study petroleum and its major refining processes in detail before discussing these chemicals.