SUPPLY CHAIN HANDBOOK

Petrochemical feedstocks: refining, cracking and intermediates

Prepared by IndustryAtlas Editorial principles & corrections

Follow feedstocks and basic chemicals through intermediates to resin inputs. These entries describe roles and common paths; an intermediate may have several sources and uses, so a connection does not define a unique formulation.

Most recent source review: 2026-10-04

Reading guide revised: 2026-10-30

How does oil become resin, and why is 'oil by-product' an incomplete description?

Refining produces fractions and other outputs. Cracking, reforming and separation create basic chemicals, which pass through intermediates to monomers and resins. This is a branching reaction network: one feedstock can serve several products, some routes need chlorine, fluorine or nitrogen-containing inputs, and intermediates can have alternative carbon sources. Track inputs and outputs at each step rather than treating finished polymers as materials simply separated from crude oil.

Refinery fractions or light hydrocarbons → Olefins and aromatics
Refining supplies streams such as naphtha. Cracking and aromatics processing produce ethylene, propylene, benzene and other feedstocks; the output mix depends on the input and process.
Basic chemicals and co-reactants → Polymer intermediates
Aromatics can lead through phenol and acetone to BPA; ethylene feeds several monomer routes. Chlor-alkali products, diols or nitrogen-containing inputs join specific reactions to create different molecular building blocks.
Intermediates and monomers → Resin and polymer production
BPA can enter polycarbonate or react with ECH for common epoxy resins. PTA and suitable diols form polyesters. These branches show why a map connection is not a unique formulation.

What changes the choice?

Compare naphtha and light-hydrocarbon routes through the chemicals they supply, then trace the target monomer. For epoxy, distinguish BPA sourcing from ECH routes rather than assuming a single origin.

Sources for this overview

Oil to polymers: overview

Oil to polymer materials

Refining, monomers, polymers and materials

Follow oil refining and petrochemical conversion through intermediates and polymer feedstocks into industrial plastics, specialty plastics and thermoset materials.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Reading paths

Refining, cracking and basic feeds
Naphtha and gas liquids are different feeds; chemical synthesis follows cracking and aromatic separation.
Crude-oil refining
Intermediates and resin feedstocks
Edges name representative processes; diols, diamines and dedicated monomers are families, not interchangeable chemicals.
Reforming and aromatics separation
Industrial plastics: commodity, engineering and TPU
Commodity and engineering are reading groups; TPU is a thermoplastic elastomer, and tackifiers have a separate formulation role.
Industrial plastics
Specialty plastics: high-performance thermoplastics
Dedicated monomers, polymerization and formulation matter; PTFE also requires mineral and fluorochemical inputs.
Specialty plastics
Thermoset resins: synthesis to curing
Separate resin precursors from cured materials; BMI, cyanate ester, BT, reactive PPE and hydrocarbons follow distinct routes.
Thermoset resins
Materials: conversion, formulation and uses
Polymers become materials through compounding, conversion or curing; formulations and qualification determine applications.
PE polyethylene

Inputs, output and technical role

The overview shares upstream inputs; branch views expand individual routes. Downstream outputs include compounds, films, engineering parts, electronic insulation and structural composites.

Crude-oil refining Naphtha Fuels and other refinery products NGL and LPG feedstocks Steam cracking and olefin separation Reforming and aromatics separation Ethylene Propylene C4 separation and butadiene Benzene Toluene Xylene separation and PX Salt and chlor-alkali inputs Fluorite and fluorochemical inputs Methanol and formaldehyde EDC and VCM intermediates Diols and polyol feedstocks PTA polyester intermediate Styrene monomer Acrylonitrile Phenol and acetone Bisphenol A (BPA)Epichlorohydrin Aromatic amines and diamines MDI and TDI isocyanates Polyester and polyether polyols Maleic anhydride Polyamide monomers MMA acrylic monomer Specialty aromatic monomers Industrial plastics Commodity plastics Engineering plastics Specialty plastics Thermoset resins PE polyethylene PP polypropylene PVC polyvinyl chloride PS polystyrene ABS resin PET polyester PA polyamide / nylon PC polycarbonate PBT polyester POM polyacetal PPE/PPO engineering plastics PMMA acrylic TPU thermoplastic polyurethane C5/C9 tackifier resins PPS polyphenylene sulfide LCP liquid crystal polymer PEEK / PAEK PEI polyetherimide PTFE fluoropolymer Epoxy resin feedstocks Phenolic resins Unsaturated polyester resins Thermoset PU systems BMI bismaleimide Cyanate ester resins BT resin systems Reactive PPE oligomers Curable hydrocarbon resins Compounded polymer pellets Films, fibers and sheets Engineering parts and components Electronic insulation formulations Structural composites Adhesives, coatings and foams C5/C9 resin feed streams

Distinction: These are editorial navigation groups, not mutually exclusive industry standards. Resin includes thermoplastics and is not synonymous with thermosets.

Sources

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Refining, cracking and basic feeds

Crude-oil refining

Distillation, conversion and treatment

Refineries separate crude fractions and use conversion and treatment to supply fuels as well as chemical feedstocks.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

Naphtha and some LPG can enter petrochemicals while gasoline, diesel and jet fuel serve fuel markets. CPC and FPCC are Taiwanese examples.

Distinction: Distillation does not directly make PE or epoxy; cracking, synthesis and polymerization are still needed.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

CPC Corporation, Taiwan · Taiwan · Example role · Refining, naphtha cracking and basic petrochemicalsProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04
Formosa Petrochemical · Taiwan · Example role · Refining and olefin feedstocksProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Sources

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Naphtha

Petrochemical feed and refinery fraction

Naphtha is a mixture of hydrocarbons that can feed steam cracking or aromatics production after appropriate treatment.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

It is not a single molecule. Feed composition, cracking conditions and separation affect the combination of ethylene, propylene and coproducts.

Distinction: Naphtha is not finished motor gasoline, and chemical feedstocks are not simply refinery waste.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

CPC Corporation, Taiwan · Taiwan · Example role · Refining, naphtha cracking and basic petrochemicalsProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Sources

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Fuels and other refinery products

Gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and more

Fuels are a major refinery output alongside chemical feedstocks and other petroleum products.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

This outlet prevents the map from implying that all crude becomes plastic. Fuel end markets are outside this material-chain scope.

Distinction: Plastic is not normally made from the residue left after burning gasoline or diesel.

Sources

EIA | Crude-oil refining, separation and conversion

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NGL and LPG feedstocks

Ethane, propane and butane

Gas processing and refining provide light hydrocarbons as alternative petrochemical feeds to naphtha.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

Ethane commonly feeds ethylene production; propane can be cracked or dehydrogenated to propylene, while butane also serves chemical routes such as maleic anhydride.

Distinction: NGL is not synonymous with LNG, and different feeds do not yield identical product ratios.

Sources

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Steam cracking and olefin separation

Cracking, quench and fractionation

Convert naphtha or light hydrocarbons into smaller molecules and separate ethylene, propylene and C4 streams.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

CPC documents naphtha cracking, butadiene extraction and aromatics extraction. Separation purity and energy use are important process challenges.

Distinction: Ethylene and propylene are building blocks; cracking itself is not polymerization.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

CPC Corporation, Taiwan · Taiwan · Example role · Refining, naphtha cracking and basic petrochemicalsProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04
Formosa Petrochemical · Taiwan · Example role · Refining and olefin feedstocksProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

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Reforming and aromatics separation

BTX, reformate and pyrolysis gasoline

Recover aromatics from streams such as reformate and pyrolysis gasoline and separate benzene, toluene and xylenes.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

Aromatics feed styrene, phenolics, polyesters and specialty polymers. Aromatic and olefin routes converge in downstream synthesis.

Distinction: Distillation separates components; reforming and cracking chemically convert them.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

CPC Corporation, Taiwan · Taiwan · Example role · Refining, naphtha cracking and basic petrochemicalsProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Sources

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Ethylene

C2 building block

Ethylene can polymerize into PE or enter PVC, PET and styrene routes through different intermediates.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

Polymer-grade purity, stable supply and comonomer selection matter downstream. Links describe product flows rather than customer contracts.

Distinction: Ethylene differs from ethane, which can serve as its feedstock.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

CPC Corporation, Taiwan · Taiwan · Example role · Refining, naphtha cracking and basic petrochemicalsProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04
Formosa Petrochemical · Taiwan · Example role · Refining and olefin feedstocksProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Sources

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Propylene

C3, PP and intermediates

Propylene feeds PP and traditional routes to acrylonitrile, phenol/acetone and epichlorohydrin.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

Sources include steam cracking, refinery conversion and propane dehydrogenation; one product can have multiple production routes.

Distinction: Propylene is not only a byproduct; it can be produced on purpose.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

CPC Corporation, Taiwan · Taiwan · Example role · Refining, naphtha cracking and basic petrochemicalsProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04
Formosa Petrochemical · Taiwan · Example role · Refining and olefin feedstocksProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Sources

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C4 separation and butadiene

Butadiene, butenes and butane

Four-carbon feeds differ in reactivity; butadiene can enter ABS, polybutadiene and other copolymers.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

Distinguish cracked C4 streams from feeds such as n-butane. Maleic anhydride commonly uses n-butane oxidation, not necessarily butadiene.

Distinction: C4 denotes carbon count, not one interchangeable chemical.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

CPC Corporation, Taiwan · Taiwan · Example role · Refining, naphtha cracking and basic petrochemicalsProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Sources

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Benzene

Aromatic building block

Benzene connects to styrene, phenol/acetone, aniline and routes for polyamides or specialty monomers.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

It usually becomes intermediates before polymerization or curing. Feedstock use and residual content in finished products are separate issues.

Distinction: This does not imply that the finished polymer contains an equivalent amount of unreacted benzene.

Sources

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Toluene

TDI and other chemical routes

Toluene can serve as a solvent or enter chemical routes to polyurethane inputs such as TDI.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

The focus is material feedstocks. Producing TDI requires multiple transformations and other inputs before reaction with polyols.

Distinction: Solvent use and reactive-feedstock use are distinct roles.

Sources

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Xylene separation and PX

Paraxylene and polyester routes

Mixed xylenes are separated and converted to paraxylene, which is oxidized to PTA for PET and PBT routes.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

Isomer separation and purity matter. Ortho-xylene can enter phthalic anhydride production, a route not expanded individually here.

Distinction: PX is paraxylene, not finished polyester.

Sources

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Salt and chlor-alkali inputs

Chlorine and sodium hydroxide

Brine electrolysis supplies chlorine and sodium hydroxide for chemical routes including PVC and ECH.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

Chlor-alkali products are important non-petroleum inputs that combine with hydrocarbons in selected monomer routes.

Distinction: Using a chlorine-containing reagent does not establish the same chlorine content in the final resin.

Sources

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Fluorite and fluorochemical inputs

Non-petroleum mineral branch

Fluoropolymers need fluorochemical inputs as well as carbon sources, with fluorite an important fluorine resource.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

Fluorochemical processing produces monomers suitable for polymerization, requiring purity, compatible equipment and process control.

Distinction: PTFE cannot be obtained from naphtha cracking alone and is not a hydrocarbon resin.

Sources

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Methanol and formaldehyde

Gas and synthesis-gas branch

Methanol can be converted to formaldehyde, linking to POM, phenolic resins and other chemical intermediates.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

MGC documents integrated production from methanol to POM. Methanol can use different synthesis-gas sources; the map retains a natural-gas branch.

Distinction: Methanol is not necessarily oil-derived; coal, biomass and other carbon sources are possible.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical · Japan · Example role · Methanol-derived formaldehyde chemicalsProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Sources

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C5/C9 resin feed streams

Cracking coproducts and separation

Polymerizable C5/C9 components separated from cracking products can feed petroleum tackifier resins.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

C5 and C9 are different feed groups, used separately or copolymerized depending on the process; each fraction is not one monomer.

Distinction: Distinguish C5/C9 tackifiers from curable hydrocarbon resins for CCL.

Sources

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Intermediates and resin feedstocks

EDC and VCM intermediates

Ethylene and chlorine to PVC monomer

A common route combines ethylene and chlorine into EDC, then cracks it to vinyl chloride monomer for PVC.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

Monomer production and PVC polymerization may be integrated or supplied by separate businesses.

Distinction: This is the common ethylene route, not an exclusion of acetylene-based alternatives.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

Formosa Plastics · Taiwan · Example role · Polymers and chemical feedstock manufacturingProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Sources

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Diols and polyol feedstocks

EG, PG, BDO and related inputs

Ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and butanediol are different chemicals linking polyester, polyol and TPU routes.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

Ethylene can feed EG through EO, and propylene can feed PG through PO. BDO has several production routes. EG/PTA yields PET; BDO/PTA yields PBT.

Distinction: Diols are not freely interchangeable, and long-chain polyols are not simply a mixture of diols.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

Indorama Ventures · Thailand · Example role · Polyester feedstocks including PTA and ethylene glycolProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Sources

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PTA polyester intermediate

PX oxidation and purification

Paraxylene is oxidized and purified into PTA, which reacts with suitable diols to make polyesters.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

PET and PBT share this type of acid-side input but differ in diol components and processing characteristics.

Distinction: PTA is an intermediate, not PET pellets.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

Indorama Ventures · Thailand · Example role · Polyester feedstocks including PTA and ethylene glycolProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Sources

Indorama Ventures | Polyester feedstocks

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Styrene monomer

A benzene and ethylene derivative

Benzene and ethylene enter the ethylbenzene route to styrene, used in PS, ABS and various copolymer formulations.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

Styrene can also act as a reactive diluent in unsaturated polyester systems; crosslinking depends on the whole formulation.

Distinction: Containing styrene does not make every finished material PS.

Sources

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Acrylonitrile

One monomer used in ABS

Traditional acrylonitrile production uses propylene and nitrogen-containing inputs, supplying polymers such as ABS.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

ABS combines acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene; composition and polymer architecture affect performance.

Distinction: Acrylonitrile is not propylene and is not a direct substitute for the PP monomer.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

Formosa Plastics · Taiwan · Example role · Polymers and chemical feedstock manufacturingProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04
INEOS · United Kingdom · Example role · Acrylonitrile production and processProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Sources

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Phenol and acetone

Cumene-route coproducts

Benzene and propylene enter the cumene route to phenol and acetone, which feed BPA and other resin intermediates.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

Phenol also reacts with formaldehyde in phenolic resins; acetone has other process uses such as selected MMA routes.

Distinction: Phenol and acetone are different products, although coproduct economics can link their supply.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

INEOS · United Kingdom · Example role · Phenol, acetone and cumeneProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Sources

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Bisphenol A (BPA)

Phenol and acetone

BPA is made from phenol and acetone and feeds distinct routes to common epoxy resins and polycarbonate.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

Shared feedstocks do not imply identical polymers: ECH leads to epoxy precursors, while PC requires a carbonate source.

Distinction: Using BPA does not make PC and epoxy the same material.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

Nan Ya Plastics · Taiwan · Example role · Bisphenol A feedstockProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

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Epichlorohydrin

Propylene or glycerine routes

ECH is used in multiple epoxy resins and can be produced through traditional propylene routes or natural-glycerine routes.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

AGC Vinythai documents bio-based ECH. Feedstock origin must be checked by product rather than inferred from the chemical name.

Distinction: Bio-based ECH does not make the entire epoxy formulation bio-based.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

AGC Vinythai · Thailand · Example role · Glycerine-route epichlorohydrinProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Sources

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Aromatic amines and diamines

Aniline, MDA and related intermediates

Aromatic amines can enter isocyanate, BMI and other high-performance resin routes through different reactions.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

Common MDA-based BMI uses a diamine and maleic anhydride; MDI is a different downstream chemical.

Distinction: MDA and MDI have different functional groups and uses despite similar abbreviations.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

Covestro · Germany · Example role · Aniline and MDI chainProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Sources

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MDI and TDI isocyanates

Reactive inputs for PU and TPU

Isocyanates react with polyols to form polyurethanes; MDI, TDI and aliphatic types serve different formulations.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

TPU also uses short-chain diols as chain extenders; thermoset PU forms networks according to functionality and formulation.

Distinction: Not all PU is thermoset, and TPU does not always use the same isocyanate.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

BASF · Germany · Example role · Isocyanates and polyolsProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04
Covestro · Germany · Example role · Aniline and MDI chainProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Sources

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Polyester and polyether polyols

PU soft segments and formulations

Polyol backbone, molecular weight and functionality influence polyurethane flexibility and processing.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

Different routes use diols, acids or alkylene oxides. Combination with isocyanates yields TPU or other PU formulations.

Distinction: Polyol choice alone does not determine final heat or hydrolysis resistance.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

BASF · Germany · Example role · Isocyanates and polyolsProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Sources

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Maleic anhydride

Routes including n-butane oxidation

Maleic anhydride can be made by n-butane oxidation and used in BMI, unsaturated polyester and modified resins.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

It can form BMI with diamines or unsaturated polyester with diols and other acid-side inputs; the products are different.

Distinction: Maleic anhydride is not finished BMI, and anhydrides are not interchangeable curing agents.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

Huntsman · United States · Example role · n-Butane maleic-anhydride processProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Sources

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Polyamide monomers

Caprolactam, diacids and diamines

PA6 commonly uses caprolactam, while PA66 uses paired inputs such as adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

Upstream routes can involve aromatic or C4 chemistry. This node groups monomer families, not compulsory inputs for every PA.

Distinction: PA is a family; nylon 6 and nylon 66 have different monomer routes.

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MMA acrylic monomer

Multiple industrial synthesis routes

Methyl methacrylate polymerizes into PMMA and can also enter copolymers and modified formulations.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

MMA has acetone-based and other feedstock routes. The map provides representative upstream entry points rather than a unique process.

Distinction: MMA is a monomer; PMMA is a polymer.

Company roles

Scope of these company examples

Formosa Plastics · Taiwan · Example role · Polymers and chemical feedstock manufacturingProduct / role source
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Sources

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Specialty aromatic monomers

Substitution, purity and functionality

PPS, LCP, PEEK, PEI and PPE require different aromatic monomers and matching reactants.

Entry sources reviewed: 2026-10-04

Inputs, output and technical role

For example, PPS can use p-dichlorobenzene and sodium sulfide. Other polymers require their own phenols, diacids, dianhydrides or related specialty monomers.

Distinction: This groups several chemical routes; it is not one feedstock that makes every specialty plastic.

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How the roles connect

Each connection appears once in this handbook. Classification describes a branch; technology links compare or relate approaches; service arrows point to the supported activity. Company examples do not establish a supply contract.

Connections, handoffs and sources
From / to	Handoff / relationship	Evidence
Oil to polymer materials Crude-oil refining	Shared upstream: refining Scope note 1	Plastics Europe \| Polymer production and classification 2026-10-04
Oil to polymer materials Industrial plastics	Industrial plastics Scope note 1	Plastics Europe \| Polymer production and classification 2026-10-04
Oil to polymer materials Specialty plastics	Specialty plastics Scope note 1	Plastics Europe \| Polymer production and classification 2026-10-04
Oil to polymer materials Thermoset resins	Thermoset resins Scope note 1	Plastics Europe \| Polymer production and classification 2026-10-04
Crude-oil refining Naphtha	Separate and treat naphtha fractions Scope note 2	EIA \| Crude-oil refining, separation and conversion 2026-10-04
Crude-oil refining NGL and LPG feedstocks	Some refinery LPG enters petrochemicals Scope note 2	EIA \| Ethane, propane and petrochemical uses 2026-10-04
Crude-oil refining Fuels and other refinery products	Produce finished fuels Scope note 2	EIA \| Crude-oil refining, separation and conversion 2026-10-04
Gas production and gathering NGL and LPG feedstocks	Recover light hydrocarbons from gas processing Scope note 2	EIA \| Ethane, propane and petrochemical uses 2026-10-04
Gas production and gathering Methanol and formaldehyde	Natural gas to syngas and methanol Scope note 2	MGC \| From methanol to POM 2026-10-04
Naphtha Steam cracking and olefin separation	Naphtha steam cracking Scope note 2	CPC \| Petrochemical feedstocks and processes 2026-10-04
Naphtha Reforming and aromatics separation	Reforming and aromatics separation Scope note 2	CPC \| Petrochemical feedstocks and processes 2026-10-04
NGL and LPG feedstocks Steam cracking and olefin separation	Alternative feeds including ethane and propane Scope note 2	EIA \| Ethane, propane and petrochemical uses 2026-10-04
NGL and LPG feedstocks Propylene	Some propane follows the PDH route Scope note 2	EIA \| Ethane, propane and petrochemical uses 2026-10-04
Steam cracking and olefin separation Ethylene	Separate ethylene Scope note 2	CPC \| Petrochemical feedstocks and processes 2026-10-04
Steam cracking and olefin separation Propylene	Separate propylene Scope note 2	CPC \| Petrochemical feedstocks and processes 2026-10-04
Steam cracking and olefin separation C4 separation and butadiene	C4 separation and butadiene extraction Scope note 2	CPC \| Petrochemical feedstocks and processes 2026-10-04
Steam cracking and olefin separation C5/C9 resin feed streams	Separate polymerizable C5/C9 fractions Scope note 2	Tosoh patent \| Cracked C5 and petroleum resins 2026-10-04
Steam cracking and olefin separation Reforming and aromatics separation	Recover aromatics from treated pyrolysis gasoline Scope note 2	INEOS \| Olefins, phenol and AN processes 2026-10-04
Reforming and aromatics separation Benzene	Separate benzene Scope note 2	CPC \| Petrochemical feedstocks and processes 2026-10-04
Reforming and aromatics separation Toluene	Separate toluene Scope note 2	CPC \| Petrochemical feedstocks and processes 2026-10-04
Reforming and aromatics separation Xylene separation and PX	Separate xylene isomers Scope note 2	CPC \| Petrochemical feedstocks and processes 2026-10-04
Ethylene PE polyethylene	Ethylene polymerization Scope note 2	Plastics Europe \| Polymer production and classification 2026-10-04
Propylene PP polypropylene	Propylene polymerization Scope note 2	Plastics Europe \| Polymer production and classification 2026-10-04
Ethylene EDC and VCM intermediates	Via EDC to VCM Scope note 2	ECVM \| PVC, ethylene and salt 2026-10-04
Salt and chlor-alkali inputs EDC and VCM intermediates	Chlor-alkali chlorine input Scope note 2	ECVM \| PVC, ethylene and salt 2026-10-04
EDC and VCM intermediates PVC polyvinyl chloride	VCM polymerization Scope note 2	ECVM \| PVC, ethylene and salt 2026-10-04
Ethylene Diols and polyol feedstocks	Via EO to ethylene glycol Scope note 2	Indorama Ventures \| Polyester feedstocks 2026-10-04
Propylene Diols and polyol feedstocks	Via PO to propylene glycol Scope note 2	Polynt \| Unsaturated polyester resins and inputs 2026-10-04
Ethylene Styrene monomer	With benzene via ethylbenzene to styrene Scope note 2	INEOS Quattro \| Benzene, ethylene and styrene 2026-10-04
Benzene Styrene monomer	Aromatic feed for the ethylbenzene route Scope note 2	INEOS Quattro \| Benzene, ethylene and styrene 2026-10-04
Styrene monomer PS polystyrene	Styrene polymerization Scope note 2	INEOS Quattro \| Benzene, ethylene and styrene 2026-10-04
Styrene monomer ABS resin	Styrene input for ABS Scope note 2	INEOS Quattro \| Benzene, ethylene and styrene 2026-10-04
C4 separation and butadiene ABS resin	Butadiene forms the rubber phase Scope note 2	INEOS Quattro \| Benzene, ethylene and styrene 2026-10-04
Propylene Acrylonitrile	Ammoxidation with ammonia and air Scope note 2	INEOS \| Olefins, phenol and AN processes 2026-10-04
Acrylonitrile ABS resin	Acrylonitrile input Scope note 2	INEOS Quattro \| Benzene, ethylene and styrene 2026-10-04
Xylene separation and PX PTA polyester intermediate	Oxidation of para-xylene to PTA Scope note 2	Indorama Ventures \| Polyester feedstocks 2026-10-04
PTA polyester intermediate PET polyester	Aromatic diacid input Scope note 2	Indorama Ventures \| Polyester feedstocks 2026-10-04
Diols and polyol feedstocks PET polyester	Ethylene glycol input Scope note 2	Indorama Ventures \| Polyester feedstocks 2026-10-04
PTA polyester intermediate PBT polyester	PTA or ester-based route Scope note 2	Chang Chun \| Resins and chemicals catalogue 2026-10-04
Diols and polyol feedstocks PBT polyester	1,4-Butanediol input Scope note 2	Chang Chun \| Resins and chemicals catalogue 2026-10-04
Benzene Phenol and acetone	Benzene with propylene via cumene Scope note 2	INEOS \| Olefins, phenol and AN processes 2026-10-04
Propylene Phenol and acetone	Olefin input for the cumene route Scope note 2	INEOS \| Olefins, phenol and AN processes 2026-10-04
Phenol and acetone Bisphenol A (BPA)	Condensation of phenol and acetone Scope note 2	Nan Ya Plastics \| BPA feedstocks and uses 2026-10-04
Bisphenol A (BPA)PC polycarbonate	BPA input for common aromatic PC Scope note 2	Nan Ya Plastics \| BPA feedstocks and uses 2026-10-04
Bisphenol A (BPA)Epoxy resin feedstocks	Input for bisphenol-A epoxy Scope note 2	Epoxy Europe \| Epoxy synthesis and curing 2026-10-04
Propylene Epichlorohydrin	Traditional propylene route; glycerine is an alternative Scope note 2	AGC Vinythai \| Glycerine-based epichlorohydrin 2026-10-04
Salt and chlor-alkali inputs Epichlorohydrin	Chlorine-containing feeds and alkali Scope note 2	AGC Vinythai \| Glycerine-based epichlorohydrin 2026-10-04
Epichlorohydrin Epoxy resin feedstocks	Epichlorohydrin synthesis input Scope note 2	Epoxy Europe \| Epoxy synthesis and curing 2026-10-04
Benzene Aromatic amines and diamines	Via nitro compounds and other steps to aromatic amines Scope note 2	Covestro \| Benzene, aniline and MDI 2026-10-04
Aromatic amines and diamines MDI and TDI isocyanates	Aniline and diamines through subsequent processing Scope note 2	Covestro \| Benzene, aniline and MDI 2026-10-04
Toluene MDI and TDI isocyanates	Via nitration, reduction and other steps to TDI Scope note 2	BASF \| Isocyanates and polyols 2026-10-04
Methanol and formaldehyde Aromatic amines and diamines	Formaldehyde participates in MDA diamine routes Scope note 2	Covestro \| Benzene, aniline and MDI 2026-10-04
Diols and polyol feedstocks Polyester and polyether polyols	Alcohol inputs for routes such as polyester polyols Scope note 2	BASF \| Isocyanates and polyols 2026-10-04
Ethylene Polyester and polyether polyols	EO-derived polyether-polyol routes Scope note 2	BASF \| Isocyanates and polyols 2026-10-04
Propylene Polyester and polyether polyols	PO-derived polyether-polyol routes Scope note 2	BASF \| Isocyanates and polyols 2026-10-04
MDI and TDI isocyanates TPU thermoplastic polyurethane	Diisocyanate input for TPU Scope note 2	BASF \| TPU structure, inputs and processing 2026-10-04
Polyester and polyether polyols TPU thermoplastic polyurethane	Polymeric polyol input for TPU Scope note 2	BASF \| TPU structure, inputs and processing 2026-10-04
Diols and polyol feedstocks TPU thermoplastic polyurethane	Diol chain extenders in some TPU formulations Scope note 2	BASF \| TPU structure, inputs and processing 2026-10-04
MDI and TDI isocyanates Thermoset PU systems	Reactant for thermoset PU Scope note 2	BASF \| Isocyanates and polyols 2026-10-04
Polyester and polyether polyols Thermoset PU systems	Multifunctional feeds and crosslinking formulations Scope note 2	BASF \| Isocyanates and polyols 2026-10-04
NGL and LPG feedstocks Maleic anhydride	Oxidation of separated n-butane Scope note 2	Huntsman \| Maleic anhydride from n-butane 2026-10-04
Maleic anhydride BMI bismaleimide	Maleic anhydride reacts with diamines Scope note 2	Chandran et al. \| BMI from diamine and maleic anhydride 2026-10-04
Aromatic amines and diamines BMI bismaleimide	Diamine backbone defines BMI structure Scope note 2	Chandran et al. \| BMI from diamine and maleic anhydride 2026-10-04
Bisphenol A (BPA)Cyanate ester resins	Some cyanate esters use a BPA backbone Scope note 2	Arxada \| Primaset cyanate esters 2026-10-04
Phenol and acetone Phenolic resins	Phenols react with formaldehyde Scope note 2	Chang Chun \| Resins and chemicals catalogue 2026-10-04
Methanol and formaldehyde Phenolic resins	Via formaldehyde to the other reactant Scope note 2	MGC \| Formaldehyde 2026-10-04
Maleic anhydride Unsaturated polyester resins	Unsaturated anhydride input Scope note 2	Polynt \| Unsaturated polyester resins and inputs 2026-10-04
Diols and polyol feedstocks Unsaturated polyester resins	Diols esterify with acids or anhydrides Scope note 2	Polynt \| Unsaturated polyester resins and inputs 2026-10-04
Styrene monomer Unsaturated polyester resins	Reactive diluent in some formulations Scope note 2	Polynt \| Unsaturated polyester resins and inputs 2026-10-04
Benzene Polyamide monomers	Multiple steps to selected nylon monomers Scope note 2	BASF \| PA polyamide materials 2026-10-04
Polyamide monomers PA polyamide / nylon	Monomers selected for PA6, PA66 and other types Scope note 2	BASF \| Polyamide intermediates 2026-10-04
Methanol and formaldehyde POM polyacetal	Via formaldehyde or trioxane routes Scope note 2	MGC \| From methanol to POM 2026-10-04
Phenol and acetone MMA acrylic monomer	Coproduct acetone can enter the traditional ACH route Scope note 2	Mitsubishi Chemical \| ACH, C4 and Alpha MMA routes 2026-10-04
MMA acrylic monomer PMMA acrylic	MMA polymerization Scope note 2	Formosa Plastics \| 2024 annual report product coverage 2026-10-04
Benzene Specialty aromatic monomers	Multistep synthesis of dedicated aromatic monomers Scope note 2	Toray \| PPS inputs and materials 2026-10-04
Phenol and acetone Specialty aromatic monomers	Phenol derivatives and functional-group design Scope note 2	SABIC \| Reactive PPE oligomers 2026-10-04
Specialty aromatic monomers PPE/PPO engineering plastics	Specific inputs such as 2,6-dimethylphenol Scope note 2	SABIC \| Thermoplastic PPE blends 2026-10-04
Specialty aromatic monomers Reactive PPE oligomers	PPE backbone and reactive end-group design Scope note 2	SABIC \| Reactive PPE oligomers 2026-10-04
Specialty aromatic monomers PPS polyphenylene sulfide	Inputs including p-dichlorobenzene and sodium sulfide Scope note 2	Toray \| PPS inputs and materials 2026-10-04
Specialty aromatic monomers LCP liquid crystal polymer	Grade-specific aromatic monomers Scope note 2	Celanese \| Vectra and Zenite LCP 2026-10-04
Specialty aromatic monomers PEEK / PAEK	Aromatic monomers for PAEK Scope note 2	Victrex \| PEEK polymers and material forms 2026-10-04
Specialty aromatic monomers PEI polyetherimide	Inputs such as aromatic dianhydrides and diamines Scope note 2	SABIC \| ULTEM PEI thermoplastics 2026-10-04
Fluorite and fluorochemical inputs PTFE fluoropolymer	Fluorochemical route through TFE polymerization Scope note 2	Daikin \| Fluorite and fluorochemical inputs 2026-10-04
C4 separation and butadiene Curable hydrocarbon resins	Butadiene to reactive polybutadiene and related materials Scope note 2	Cray Valley \| Polybutadiene and CCL formulations 2026-10-04
Styrene monomer Curable hydrocarbon resins	Styrene derivatives in some copolymers and formulations Scope note 2	Cray Valley \| Polybutadiene and CCL formulations 2026-10-04
C5/C9 resin feed streams C5/C9 tackifier resins	Polymerizable fractions to tackifier resin Scope note 2	Tosoh patent \| Cracked C5 and petroleum resins 2026-10-04
Oil and chemical tankers Crude-oil refining	Crude-oil carriage to refineries Scope note 2	EIA \| Crude-oil refining, separation and conversion 2026-10-04
Liquid terminals and tank storage Naphtha	Storage and handling matched to naphtha cargo Scope note 2	EIA \| Crude-oil refining, separation and conversion 2026-10-04
LPG shipping NGL and LPG feedstocks	Specialized LPG and eligible light-hydrocarbon carriage Scope note 2	EIA \| Ethane, propane and petrochemical uses 2026-10-04

Connection scope notes

This is a reading classification, not a chemical conversion.
This is a representative feed, process or material relationship, not a vendor contract; not every reagent or operation is shown.

Scope of company examples

Representative published products and business roles; no claim of customer contracts or coverage of every grade.

How does oil become resin, and why is 'oil by-product' an incomplete description?

Refinery fractions or light hydrocarbons → Olefins and aromatics

Basic chemicals and co-reactants → Polymer intermediates

Intermediates and monomers → Resin and polymer production

What changes the choice?

Oil to polymers: overview

Reading paths

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