PRODUCTION OF CHEMICALS FROM OIL SHALES

It is proposed to use the abundant alkane and alkene content of shale oils as a source for the production of related value-added chemicals. The C-6-C-10 fraction can be used for the production of plastifiers via the synthesis of alcohols by the ore-reaction. The production of biodegradable linear dodecylbenzene from the C-10-C-13 fraction as a detergent raw material is considered. The C-14-C-18 fraction is proposed as a raw material for fatty alcohols and alkyl sulfonate production. The heavy-end alkane fraction may be cracked for the production of various lower-molecular-weight alkenes. The high nitro may also be advantageous in the production of new materials. Asphalt and carbon fibres are obtainable from the heavy shale oil fraction. The processes available in the chemical and petroleum industry can be utilized.