Petrochemical feedstocks are raw materials derived from petroleum and natural gas used in the production of chemicals and plastics. They play a crucial role in the chemical industry, serving as the building blocks for a wide range of products including fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and synthetic materials.
Crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, primarily consisting of alkanes, cycloalkanes, and aromatic hydrocarbons, with varying amounts of sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen compounds. Its composition is highly variable, depending on its source, but understanding its chemical makeup is crucial for refining processes and petrochemical applications.