Overview

The Industrial Standard for Phthalic Anhydride

PA (phthalic anhydride) is a dicarboxylic acid anhydride used as a key intermediate in the manufacture of plasticisers, alkyd resins, unsaturated polyester resins, and numerous specialty chemicals.

IGPL produces PA via the Wacker Chemie Von-Heyden Low Energy Process — catalytic vapour-phase oxidation of ortho-xylene over a vanadium pentoxide/titanium dioxide catalyst system. The process delivers consistent purity of ≥99.8% while minimising energy input per tonne.

With 270,000 MTPA of installed capacity across five plants, IGPL holds approximately 50% of India's domestic PA market, making it the primary anchor supplier for India's coatings, plasticiser, and resin industries.

At a Glance

Purity ≥99.8%

Capacity 270,000 MTPA

Plants 5

Market Share ~50% India

CAS

85-44-9

Formula

C₈H₄O₃

Mol. Wt.

148.12

Applications

Where Phthalic Anhydride Is Used

Plasticisers

Phthalate and non-phthalate plasticisers for PVC. Flexible pipes, cables, flooring, packaging.

Alkyd Resins

Core raw material for alkyd resins used in architectural and industrial coatings.

Unsaturated Polyester

UPR for fibre-reinforced composites in construction, marine, and automotive.

Specialty Chemicals

Anthraquinone dyes, phthalimide, and other fine chemical intermediates.

Trimellitic Anhydride

Key intermediate for high-performance plasticisers and wire coatings.

Phthalocyanine Pigments

Blue and green pigments for inks, coatings, and plastics.

Process

Von-Heyden Low Energy Process

IGPL produces phthalic anhydride via catalytic vapour-phase oxidation of ortho-xylene, using the Wacker Chemie GmbH Von-Heyden Low Energy Process — one of the most energy-efficient PA production routes available globally.

The reaction takes place in a fixed-bed, multi-tube reactor with a vanadium pentoxide / titanium dioxide catalyst. The highly exothermic oxidation reaction is controlled by a molten salt heat removal system, maintaining catalyst bed temperature within tight operating windows to maximise selectivity and yield.

IGPL's process team has operated and optimised this system across five plant expansions since 1992, delivering consistently high purity output (≥99.8%) with efficient steam generation and byproduct recovery (Maleic Anhydride, Benzoic Acid) from the same process stream.

Process Flow

O-Xylene

Feed

Oxidation Reactor

V₂O₅ / TiO₂ catalyst

PA + Steam

Crude output

Distillation

Purification

PA ≥99.8%

MA & BA recovery

Specifications

Product Specifications

Parameter	Specification	Test Method
Purity (PA)	≥ 99.8 wt%	Titration
Maleic Anhydride	≤ 0.10 wt%	GC
Colour (Hazen/APHA)	≤ 10	Visual / Colorimeter
Moisture	≤ 0.10 wt%	Karl Fischer
Solidification Point	≥ 130.0 °C	IP 5
Iron Content	≤ 0.5 ppm	AAS
Ash Content	≤ 5 ppm	Gravimetric

Full TDS and SDS available on request. Specifications are indicative and may vary by batch. Always request current TDS prior to formulation.

IGPL provides batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (CoA) with every shipment. Our quality laboratory performs in-process and final product testing to ensure specifications are met before dispatch. For supplier qualification documentation, contact our technical team.

Why IGPL

PA Supply from India's Largest Single-Site Complex

Scale

270,000 MTPA. Five dedicated plants. Never dependent on a single unit.

Location

50 km from JNPT. Road and rail connectivity for domestic logistics across India.

Consistency

30+ years of continuous production. Process optimised over multiple plant generations.

Integration

Byproduct recovery and downstream DEP production demonstrate full process mastery.

FAQ

Common Questions

CAS 85-44-9. Molecular formula C₈H₄O₃, molecular weight 148.12 g/mol. PA appears as white crystalline flakes or powder at room temperature.

Contact our commercial team for MOQ, pricing, and logistics details specific to your location and requirements.

Yes. TDS and SDS are available on request. Contact our technical team via the contact form or email.

PA is available in bulk tanker, jumbo bags, or drums depending on order size and customer requirements. We serve domestic customers across India and export via JNPT.

Our PA meets commercial-grade purity of ≥99.8% by titration. Full specification details are available in the product TDS.

Supplier Qualification

Documentation & Quality Assurance

Technical Data Sheet

Full product specifications, physical properties, and handling guidelines.

Request TDS

Safety Data Sheet

Hazard classification, first-aid procedures, and regulatory compliance data.

Request SDS

Certificate of Analysis

Batch-specific quality certificates issued with every shipment.

Contact Commercial

Phthalic Anhydride