German specialty chemicals company BASF AG has started up its new production facility for isopropanolamines (IPOA) at its Ludwigshafen site in Germany. With an annual capacity of 15,000 metric tons, this is the only facility of this type in Europe. It replaces the existing multi-product facility to produce isopropanolamines. By expanding its capacity BASF stated that it is responding to the growing demand for these particular intermediates.

The new plant uses an improved process with a product mixture comprising mono-, di- and triisopropanolamine (MIPOA, DIPOA, TIPOA) is produced from propylene oxide and ammonia.

Isopropanolamines are high-grade intermediates that are suitable for many different applications including the production of colorants and pigments.