Today’s society is heavily dependent on chemicals, especially many of the industrial chemicals listed below. In recent years, the main reason for the rapid growth of industrial and agricultural chemical products demand is only the corresponding growth of scientific and technological breakthroughs and the growth of world population. As far as agricultural chemicals are concerned, more and more people live to starve, so more and more food must be produced in large quantities in an environment unsuitable for growth. Therefore, more and more chemicals are needed to provide nutrition and kill pests. As for manufacturing, Global trade never stops, so acids and other chemicals for everything from plastics, glue, solvents to soap have to be pumped out of chemical plants.
Although we all know that the United States produces a lot of products every year, many people are still surprised to hear that we actually produce millions of tons of chemical products accordingly. Here are the largest quantities of the top 10 chemicals produced in the United States each year, as well as information on their geographic chemical products production and practical applications.
- Sulfuric acid
Annual production in the United States: 36 million tons
Sulfuric acid, also known as sulfuric acid oil, is a colorless and tasteless corrosive liquid. It is highly corrosive to metals and tissues, and will scorch when it comes into contact with organic materials such as wood. When dissolved in water, it releases heat. Its production process is to extract sulfur into sulfur dioxide, then generate sulfur trioxide, and finally generate sulfuric acid.
- Propylene
Annual production in the United States: 14.3 million tons
Propylene is a colorless gas with a faint smell reminiscent of gasoline. It is a byproduct of petroleum obtained in the process of gasoline refining, especially from the cracking of hydrocarbons or the catalytic dehydrogenation of propane. It is usually transported in the form of liquefied gas, which maintains pressure through its own steam.
- Sodium hydroxide = D
Annual production in the United States: 14 million tons
Sodium hydroxide is a kind of highly corrosive and corrosive substance, which is odorless white crystalline solid at room temperature. When it dissolves in water, it burns.
- Sodium carbonate
Annual production in the United States: 11 million tons
Sodium carbonate is a kind of disodium salt, dissolved in water will produce carbonic acid and sodium hydroxide. It is a strong base that neutralizes acidic chemicals.
- Ammonia
Annual production in the United States: 8 million tons
Ammonia is a colorless, basic inorganic compound of nitrogen and hydrogen. It usually exists in the form of gas and has a strong and unique smell. It exists in the form of gas and is one of the most abundant nitrogen-containing compounds in the earth’s atmosphere.
- Benzene
Annual production in the United States: 5.8 million tons
Benzene is a highly toxic and flammable liquid hydrocarbon. It is colorless and transparent in liquid state, with smell similar to gasoline and high volatility.
- Acetic acid
Annual production in the United States: 5.4 million tons
Acetic acid is a simple carboxylic acid with strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is usually a colorless and transparent liquid with a strong vinegar smell.
- Ethylene oxide
Annual production in the United States: 4 million tons
Ethylene oxide is a colorless combustible gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Exposure to this gas is highly toxic and irritating, increasing the risk of cancer and many other diseases.
- Formaldehyde
Annual production in the United States: 3.4 million tons
Formaldehyde is a kind of highly reactive gas, which is toxic in large quantities. It is colorless and soluble in water.
- Methanol
Annual production in the United States: 2.4 million tons
Methanol is a colorless flammable liquid. It is toxic when ingested, and the gas can cause blindness. This is the simplest kind of alcohol, it has a special smell, reminiscent of ethanol, but slightly milder.
