Stannous octoate can be used in the polyurethane industry. Industry development faces challenges

Stannous octoate, also known as 2-ethylstannous hexanoate, has the chemical formula CHO₄Sn and is an organic compound. Stannous octoate appears as a white or yellow paste, soluble in polyol and petroleum ether, but insoluble in water. Stannous octoate has excellent properties and can be used as an antioxidant and catalyst. It is widely used in the polyurethane industry.

The preparation methods of stannous octoate include metathesis method, aldehyde disproportionation method, electrochemical method and acid anhydride method. The metathesis method refers to using sodium hydroxide and isooctanoic acid as the main raw materials to obtain finished products through processes such as saponification and metathesis. This method is the mainstream preparation method of stannous octoate; the electrochemical method is an emerging preparation method of stannous octoate, and this method has operational With the advantages of low cost, controllable parameters, and simple production process, it is expected to replace the decomposition method in the future. However, at present, this method is only used in laboratory preparation and has not yet achieved industrial production.

In September 2022, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and other three departments jointly issued the “Notice on Issuing the Implementation Plan for the “Three Products” of the Raw Material Industry”. The document clearly stated that the development of green and low-carbon products should be encouraged, and the promotion of special catalysts and additives, high-performance insulation materials, R&D and application of green tires and other products. Stannous octoate is toxic and irritating, and can easily cause pollution to the water environment during the production process. In recent years, Chinese companies have continued to increase research on alternatives to stannous octoate, which has brought certain challenges to the development of the industry.

According to the “2023-2028 China Stannous Octanoate Industry Market In-depth Research and Development Prospects Forecast Report released by the Industrial Research Center, Stannous octoate is mainly used in the polyurethane industry, with polyurethane foam, polyurethane coatings, polyurethane rubber, etc. as its end products. Polyurethane products are in strong demand in the fields of automobile manufacturing, household appliances and building materials. my country is the world’s largest producer and consumer of polyurethane. In 2022, my country’s polyurethane output will reach 15.125 million tons, accounting for nearly 50% of the global total output. As the development of downstream industries accelerates, the market space for stannous octoate continues to expand.

The major global manufacturers of stannous octoate include Evonik of Germany, NITTO KASEI of Japan, Gulbrandsen Chemical Company of India, etc. my country’s stannous octoate industry has a low concentration level, and major market participants include Shandong Jiaying Chemical Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan Shuer Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Jiangsu Yake Technology Co., Ltd., Yunnan Tin Industry Co., Ltd., etc.

Industry analysts said that as a commonly used tin catalyst in the polyurethane industry, the market demand for stannous octoate continues to grow, and the industry has broad room for development. However, currently, due to the influence of national environmental protection policies, my country’s stannous octoate industry is facing the threat of substitutes. Local companies urgently need to increase investment in research and development of green processes and accelerate the industrial production of emerging green processes such as electrochemical methods.