Shell chemicals companies entered the propylene oxide (PO) sector in the 1960s with the acquisition of a PO plant in Carrington, UK. The journey over the next 40 years has seen the Shell chemicals companies grow into one of the leading players in the PO and derivatives market. One of the pillars on which we have built this position is the strength of our SM/PO (stryene monomer/propylene oxide) technology.
What is propylene oxide?
Propylene oxide (C3H6O) is a colourless liquid with an ether-like odour. It can be produced commercially via three different routes.
While other processes exist, the Shell chemicals companies have derived a strong competitive advantage by using and continually developing their proprietary SM/PO technology, a process in which propylene (C3) and ethyl benzene (EB) are simultaneously converted into propylene oxide (PO) and styrene monomer (SM), respectively.
Find information on other processing routes
What are the applications of propylene oxide?
Propylene oxide is used as the chemical building block for a number of derivatives used by our customers to manufacture many products that surround us in our everyday lives. Flexible foams in furniture and car seats, artificial sports tracks, waterproof leisure wear, de-icers and bowling balls are just some of the many applications of these derivatives.
