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BASF opens methanesulfonic acid expansion
Alternative seeing major demand growth
BASF’s Care Chemicals division has opened its expanded facility for Lutropur methanesulfonic acid in Ludwigshafen. The plant now has 30,000 tonnes/year of capacity. Methanesulfonic acid is increasingly being used as an alternative to other acids in phosphate-free cleaner formulations because it is readily biodegradable, does not consume chlorine and can often be used at lower temperatures. It is also used in electroplating baths in the production of PCBs and tin plate and as a feedstock in pharmaceuticals. BASF also plans to build a new facility for it at its joint venture with Petronas in Malaysia.