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Pyridine and beta-picoline accounted for 72% of world consumption of pyridines
in 2007. Agricultural chemicals, mainly the nonselective contact herbicide
paraquat, account for most consumption of pyridine; however, demand for piperidine
and 2-chloropyridine is growing well in some regions, albeit from a small base.
beta-Picoline, which is used to produce niacinamide/niacin (vitamin B3), is
forecast to grow as a result of strong demand for niacinamide/niacin in developing
regions such as Asia, Africa, and Central and South America for use in animal
feed (mainly poultry and dairy cattle). 2-Methyl-5-ethylpyridine (MEP) is used
nearly entirely to produce niacin. The largest market for alpha-picoline is
2-vinylpyridine (2-VP); most 2-VP is used as a component of styrene-butadiene-2-vinylpyridine
terpolymer latexes (SBV latexes), which are used as tire cord adhesives and
in other adhesives for bonding textiles to elastomers.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of pyridines:
Consumption of pyridine for paraquat declined substantially in the United
States in late 2006, a result of the termination of paraquat production at
Bayport, Texas by Syngenta Crop Protection. Additionally, a ban on paraquat
use in the European Union has dampened prospects for future consumption growth
for pyridine in Europe; future consumption of pyridine for paraquat in Europe
will be largely dependent on export demand. China will account for most growth
in demand of pyridines for paraquat and other agricultural chemicals such as
chlorpyrifos, which is derived from beta-picoline.
Growth in demand for pyridines varies by product and region. Growth in the
Americas and Europe is forecast to be moderate; of the large-volume applications,
niacinamide/niacin has the best prospects. Other growth markets in the United
States include 2-chloropyridine (a precursor in the production of antimicrobial
pyrithione salts) and piperidine (largely for exports). Significant growth
is expected in China, largely for increased production of paraquat and other
agricultural chemicals and niacinamide/niacin. Asian consumption of paraquat
is expected to grow quickly, largely as a result of increased commercial agricultural
activity and increased acreage of plants for renewable biofuels, such as palm
oil trees. |
