Alcohols/glycols product overview

What are alcohols and glycols?

Alcohols and glycols are versatile solvents with a pleasant odour. The length and the structure of the alkyl chain is decisive for the solvency of these products. Lower alcohols (up to C4) are water soluble and dissolve polar components.

The Shell Chemicals range of alcohols includes C3 to C9 alcohols such as isopropyl alcohol (IPA), diacetone alcohol and methyl isobutyl carbinol. For IPA, different grades are available to comply with specific needs for certain applications.

This includes an IPA-GMP¹ grade that is available in Europe for use as an excipient in in the production of pharmaceuticals, foods, and personal care cosmetics products; and an IPA-USP grade that is available in North America for use as an active ingredient and/or excipient in the production of pharmaceuticals, foods, and personal care cosmetics products.

Shell chemicals companies also produce ethylene and propylene oxide glycol ethers, which are often used as components in water-based coatings.

How are alcohols and glycols used?

The applications where alcohols and glycols are used include surface coatings, thinners, printing inks, adhesives, cosmetics, toiletries and cleaners. These products are also used in pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, medical applications, for the extraction of vitamins, as wetting agents in lithographic printing and as chemical intermediates.

What are our key strengths in the chemical solvents sector?

• Broad product line: Our wide range of solvents enables us to cover most - if not all – solvents customer requirements. In this way we can help to rationalise and reduce the costs of procurement.
• Global security of supply: Shell Chemicals are leading global suppliers of solvents, with strategically located plants offering continuous long term supply.
• Consistency of product quality: long term production experience and development of proprietary Shell processes delivers product of high quality and consistency.
• Multiple sales channels: customers can choose from a range of sales channels: direct dealings with our own customer service contacts, through distributors for smaller quantities, or via e-channels such as Customer Lounge or Elemica.
• Experienced support staff: Shell Chemicals have in-depth knowledge of solvents products, their applications, and health, safety and environment issues. Local sales staff are well trained to identify and meet customer business needs.