Chlorobenzene is an aromatic organic compound with the chemical formula C6H5Cl. Chlorobenzene is a colorless, flammable liquid, which is primarily used as a solvent, a degreasing agent, and a chemical intermediate. The major use of chlorobenzene is as an intermediate in the production of products such as herbicides, dyestuffs, and rubber. Chlorobenzene is primarily used as high-boiling solvent in many industrial applications as well as in the laboratory. Chlorobenzene was used in the manufacture of certain pesticides, most notably DDT by reaction with chloral (trichloroacetaldehyde), but this application has declined with the diminished use of DDT.
Chlorobenzene is predominantly used as a solvent and it is naturally related to many chemical processing industries. It is used in various chemical processes involved in the synthesis of organic chemicals, insecticides and pesticides formulations, di-isocyanate manufacturing, making of drugs, degreasing automobile body-parts, feedstock for points, coatings, waxes, polishes, pigments and for manufacturing of nitrobenzene & di-phenyl oxide. With globalization and industrialization, the demand for chlorobenzene from various chemical processing and manufacturing industries are increasing. In addition, this growth-rate is propelled by the rapid growth of chemical industries in various developing nations in Asia-Pacific, such as China, India, Bangladesh and Japan.
Geographically, in terms of volume and value, North America held the second largest share for chlorobenzene in the global market in 2015. North American market is expected to show slow growth during the forecast period, owing to the saturated market in the region. However the increasing production of polyphenylene sulfide resin, for which the key raw material is paradichlorobenzene; it is expected that it will propel the regional market up to an extent. Owing to health hazards associated with chlorobenzene regulatory bodies have set up strict environmental guidelines, which have hampered the growth of chlorobenzene in North America.
Some of the players operating in the global chlorobenzene market include Beckmann-Kenko GmbH, Jiangsu Yangnong Chemicals Group Co., Ltd., Meryer (Shanghai) Chemical Technology Co., Ltd., J&K Scientific Ltd, China Petrochemical Corporation, Kureha Corporation, Applichem GmbH and Chemada Fine Chemicals.
