CHLORINATED METHANES MARKET ANALYSIS

The global chlorinated methanes market size is expected to witness a substantial rise in the coming future, and register a significant CAGR over the forecast period (2019 - 2027).

Market Overview

Chlorinated methanes (combination of chlorine and methane) are used as precursors in the production of silicon and other industrial materials, in which methylene chloride (CH2Cl2) is used as a solvent, chloroform (CHCl3) to produce certain refrigerants, and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for alternatives such as HFCs and HFO- 1234yf/ze. Methyl chloride, or chloromethane is highly flammable and was widely used as a refrigerant, however owing to its toxicity, it has been demoted from consumer goods. Presently, chloromethane is used as an intermediate in the production of silicone polymers, as a solvent, propellant, local anesthetic, and herbicide. Carbon tetrachloride (CT) and chloroform (CF) are widely used as solvents and reagents in organic synthesis, however their use has been discontinued owing to CT’s major role as a groundwater pollutant. Currently carbon tetrachloride has application in the chemicals industry as a source of chlorine, and for revealing watermarks on postage stamps. Chloroform is used as an anesthetic, reagent, and solvent.

Market Dynamics

Growth of the chlorinated methanes market is expected to be influenced by growth of the refrigeration industry, where methyl chloride is in demand for the production of HFC-32. In the past few years, demand for methyl chloride in the production of methyl chlorosilanes accounted for the vast majority of its total consumption, closely followed by methyl cellulose. Furthermore, growing application of methylene chloride as a solvent in industries such as pharmaceuticals, and in the production of polymers, fine chemicals, and aerosols among others. Chloroform has leading application in the production of HCFC-22, which is used as a refrigerant, and in the production of fluoropolymers such as ETFE, PTFE, PFA, and FEP. However, increasing regulations and legislation on the use of HCFC-22 as a refrigerant are expected to hamper growth of the global chlorinated methanes market. Although, demand for HFC-32 is expected to increase from end-use industries over the forecast period, which can create growth opportunities for production of methylene chloride.

There are a variety of health risks associated with exposure to chloromethane ranging from intoxication, respiratory illness, and drowsiness to paralysis, coma, and seizures. Among physical symptoms, ingestion can cause vomiting, nausea, and contact with the skin in the form of a refrigerated liquid can result in frostbite. Moreover, animal studies have demonstrated risk of birth defects in mice, although these findings haven’t been replicated in humans, there is still a risk of malformation of legs and pelvis in a human fetus due to prolonged exposure to chloromethane. These factors are expected to restrain demand for chlorinated methanes over the forecast period.

Market Outlook

Owing to increasing demand for solvents from various end use industries, Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as the fastest growing market for chlorinated methanes. Additionally, China has dominated the demand for methylene chloride in the past, and the trend is likely to repeat over the forecast period. Other regions such as South Korea, Japan, and some countries in South Asia are expected to contribute to the market share. Europe is expected to witness the second largest demand for methylene chlorines, with the U.K., German, and France leading the demand. The North America market is expected to grow at a steady rate, particularly due to demand from end-use industries such as pharmaceuticals, paints and coatings, and adhesives in the region.

Key Players

Key manufacturers in the global chlorinated methanes market are The Dow Chemical Company, Alfa Aesar, Akzonobel N.V., Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd., Kem One, Tokuyama Corporation, SRF Ltd., Asahi Glass Co. Ltd., Ercros Sa, Ineos Group, Solvay, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd., Occidental Chemical Corporation.