Petrochemicals are chemical products derived from petroleum through the refining process. Some petrochemical compounds are also obtained from other fossil fuels such as coal or natural gas, as well as renewable sources including maize, palm fruit, and sugarcane.
The two most common petrochemical classes are olefins (including ethylene and propylene) and aromatics (including benzene, toluene, and xylene isomers). These are produced in oil refineries and chemical plants through processes such as fluid catalytic cracking, steam cracking, and catalytic reforming.
Olefins and aromatics serve as building blocks for a wide range of materials such as solvents, detergents, adhesives, plastics, resins, fibers, elastomers, lubricants, and gels.
