Petrochemicals are chemicals made from crude oil through the
refining process. Some petrochemicals can be made using coal or
natural gas, but these can be expensive. There are two main
classes of petrochemical materials. Olefins include ethylene and
propylene. Aromatics include benzene and xylene isomers. Olfeins
are produced by cracking and aromatics are produced by
reforming. These petrochemical materials are used to make: -
Resins and plastics - Synthetic fibers - Engineering polymers -
Industrial chemicals, including those used to manufacture
detergents such coatings, pharmaceuticals, and explosives.