Petrochemicals

Petrochemicals are commercially used chemicals derived from crude oil and natural gas. Petroleum and natural gas are made up of hydrocarbon molecules, which are comprised of one or more carbon atoms, to which hydrogen atoms are attached.

These chemicals can sometimes be derived from coal and wood, both of which have carbon and hydrogen, but are not then referred to as petrochemicals.

Currently, oil and gas are the main sources because they are the least expensive, most readily available, and can be processed most easily.  In some cases, petrochemicals are finished products, in others more steps are needed to arrive at the desired composition.

The petrochemical arms of leading oil companies in the world are integral to their global reach and presence in markets which are amply supplied with oil and gas, and may necessitate more complex products generically known as petrochemicals.