Acetone Cyanohydrin (ACH), identified by CAS No. 116-09-6, is a vital organic chemical intermediate classified as a nitrile. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature, characterized by a faint almond-like odor. Chemically, it is synthesized through the nucleophilic addition reaction of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) to acetone. The production process involves a complex supply chain where liquid ammonia and methanol are first reacted to produce hydrogen cyanide, which is subsequently reacted with acetone to yield Acetone Cyanohydrin.
ACH occupies a critical position in the petrochemical value chain, serving primarily as the key precursor for the production of Methyl Methacrylate (MMA), which is the monomer used to produce Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) or acrylic glass. Historically, the "ACH Route" (often referred to as the C3 process) has been the dominant technology for MMA production, accounting for approximately 60% of the global installed capacity. In this traditional process, ACH reacts with sulfuric acid to form methacrylamide sulfate, which is then esterified with methanol to produce MMA.
Investment Freeze: There is a near-total cessation of new investment in ACH facilities outside of specific integrated sites in China. Future capital expenditure in the acrylics chain is almost exclusively directed toward C1 (Ethylene/Coal) and C4 (Isobutylene) technologies which do not require ACH as an intermediate.
Substitution: The rising market share of C4 and C1 based MMA directly erodes the addressable market for merchant ACH.
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ACH occupies a critical position in the petrochemical value chain, serving primarily as the key precursor for the production of Methyl Methacrylate (MMA), which is the monomer used to produce Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) or acrylic glass. Historically, the "ACH Route" (often referred to as the C3 process) has been the dominant technology for MMA production, accounting for approximately 60% of the global installed capacity. In this traditional process, ACH reacts with sulfuric acid to form methacrylamide sulfate, which is then esterified with methanol to produce MMA.
Beyond its primary role in the acrylics chain, Acetone Cyanohydrin serves as an intermediate for other chemical synthesis applications. It is utilized in the production of:
- Hydroxy Isobutyric Acid: Used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.
- Dimethyl Hydantoin: Used in the production of water treatment chemicals and disinfectants.
- Other Derivatives: Including various amides and esters used in agrochemicals and fine chemical synthesis.
Market Status: A Technology in Transition
The Acetone Cyanohydrin market is currently defined by a significant structural shift. While it remains a high-volume chemical due to the legacy base of MMA plants, the technology is increasingly viewed as disadvantaged compared to newer manufacturing routes. The ACH process involves the handling of highly toxic hydrogen cyanide and generates substantial quantities of ammonium bisulfate waste, necessitating expensive regeneration or disposal units. Consequently, the industry is witnessing a "de-coupling" where new MMA capacity - particularly in China - is favoring alternative feedstocks (such as the C4 Isobutylene route or the C1 Coal-to-Methanol route), leading to a strategic retreat of ACH-based production in developed markets.Global Market Size and Growth Forecast
- 2026 Market Valuation
- Growth Trajectory (2026-2031)
- Factors Influencing Negative Growth:
Investment Freeze: There is a near-total cessation of new investment in ACH facilities outside of specific integrated sites in China. Future capital expenditure in the acrylics chain is almost exclusively directed toward C1 (Ethylene/Coal) and C4 (Isobutylene) technologies which do not require ACH as an intermediate.
Substitution: The rising market share of C4 and C1 based MMA directly erodes the addressable market for merchant ACH.
- Global Capacity and Supply Dynamics
Regional Analysis
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
APAC is the dominant region, holding the vast majority of global capacity.- China: China is the world's largest producer and consumer of ACH, with a domestic capacity of approximately 2.2 million tons. The Chinese market is characterized by a paradox of scale and inefficiency. While capacity is massive, the rapid expansion of downstream MMA production has led to a supply glut. As of 2021, China shifted from being a net importer to a net exporter of MMA. However, the overall industry utilization rates hover between 50% and 60%, indicating significant overcapacity. Crucially, China's aggressive pipeline of new MMA projects (exceeding 1 million tons) overwhelmingly utilizes non-ACH technologies. This creates a scenario where existing ACH plants in China face intensifying competition and the risk of becoming stranded assets.
- Japan: Once a leader in ACH technology, Japan is in a phase of strategic contraction. Following the closure of Mitsubishi Chemical’s Hiroshima plant (107,000 tons) in February 2024 and other consolidations, the country's capacity is shrinking. Currently, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical and Kuraray remain the primary operators, with a combined capacity exceeding 80,000 tons. However, Kuraray has announced plans to halve the capacity of its Niigata Plant (currently 67,000 tons) by July 2025, further reducing the regional supply.
- Taiwan, China: The region maintains a stable capacity of approximately 100,000 tons, primarily supporting local petrochemical integration.
- Thailand: The landscape shifted significantly in late 2024 with Asahi Kasei closing its joint venture, PTT Asahi Chemical Co. Ltd. This closure removed 70,000 tons of ACH-based capacity from the Southeast Asian market.
North America
North America represents the second-largest production and consumption hub.- United States: The U.S. possesses a capacity exceeding 770,000 tons. The market is dominated by integrated heavyweights like Dow and Röhm, who utilize ACH for on-site MMA production. Unlike Asia, the U.S. market is relatively stable, with less aggressive capacity expansion but a focus on optimizing existing assets.
Europe
Europe is the third-largest region but is experiencing the most rapid decline in installed capacity due to high energy costs and stringent environmental regulations regarding cyanide handling.- Germany: Remains the largest producer in Europe, anchored by Röhm’s operations.
- Strategic Exits: The region has seen high-profile exits. Notably, Mitsubishi Chemical closed its 200,000-ton ACH-based plant in Billingham, UK, in 2022. More recently, on October 8, 2025, Trinseo announced the permanent closure of its ACH production operations in Porto Marghera, Italy, along with its downstream MMA unit in Rho, Italy (100,000 tons). These closures underscore the diminishing viability of standalone ACH assets in Europe.
Industry Chain and Value Analysis
The Acetone Cyanohydrin market cannot be analyzed in isolation; it is deeply embedded in the C3 Methacrylate value chain.- Upstream Feedstocks:
- Acetone: Sourced from the phenol/acetone process (cumene hydroperoxide route). The availability and pricing of ACH are partly tied to the propylene and benzene markets.
- Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN): This is the bottleneck component. HCN is produced on-site (due to transport dangers) via the Andrussow oxidation or BMA process using Ammonia and Methanol (or Methane). The high technical barrier and safety costs of HCN production act as the primary entry barrier for the ACH industry.
- Downstream Applications:
- Methyl Methacrylate (MMA): Consumes the vast majority of ACH output. The chemical equation is direct: ACH + Sulfuric Acid + Methanol -> MMA + Ammonium Bisulfate.
- Derivatives: While ACH is used for specialized methacrylates and fine chemicals, these volumes are insufficient to absorb the capacity left behind by a shifting MMA market.
- Operational Challenges:
Key Market Players and Competitive Landscape
The competitive landscape is dominated by vertically integrated chemical giants who produce ACH for captive use in MMA manufacturing. Merchant sales of ACH are relatively limited due to transport restrictions on toxic chemicals.- Global Leader:
- Chongqing Yixiang Chemical Co. Ltd. (China): The undisputed market leader in terms of sheer volume. With a massive capacity of 488,000 tons, Chongqing Yixiang anchors the Chinese supply chain. Their scale allows for cost dilution, although they face the same overcapacity headwinds as the broader Chinese market.
- Major International Integrated Players:
- Dow (USA): A top-tier player with significant integrated capacity in North America, utilizing ACH for its broad acrylics portfolio.
- Röhm (Germany/Global): A historic leader in methacrylate chemistry. Röhm maintains substantial ACH capacity to support its "PLEXIGLAS®" and "ACRYLITE®" value chains across Germany and the US.
- Mitsubishi Chemical (Japan): Formerly the aggressive champion of ACH, the company is now leading the transition *away* from it. While still a top player by legacy volume, their strategy involves shutting down ACH assets (UK, Japan) in favor of their proprietary "Alpha Technology" (C2 route) which utilizes ethylene and avoids ACH entirely.
- Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (Japan): Remains a key player in Japan with optimized ACH processes, focusing on high-value derivatives.
- Kuraray (Japan): A specialized player that is currently rightsizing its operations, evidenced by the planned 50% capacity cut at its Niigata facility in mid-2025.
- Key Chinese Producers:
- Jiangsu Sailboat Petrochemical Co. Ltd.: A major private enterprise with highly integrated petrochemical complexes.
- Zhejiang Petroleum & Chemical Co Ltd (ZPC): Operates one of the world's largest integrated refining and chemical sites, with ACH capacity exceeding 200,000 tons.
- CNPC Jilin Petrochemical Plant: A state-owned giant with a long history in acrylics.
- Other Significant Players: Jiangsu Jiankun Chemical, Kingfa Sci. & Tech., Sinochem Quanzhou Petrochemical, Shandong Hong Xu Chemical, and CNOOC Fudao. These companies generally operate capacities between 50,000 and 150,000 tons, serving regional clusters.
Market Opportunities and Challenges
- Opportunities:
- Niche Derivatives: While the massive MMA market moves away, demand for ACH in producing Hydroxy Isobutyric Acid (for pharma/cosmetics) and Dimethyl Hydantoin (for water treatment) remains stable. Players who can pivot to high-purity, merchant grade ACH for these fine chemical applications may find a profitable, albeit smaller, market.
- Agrochemical Intermediates: ACH remains a building block for certain herbicides and pesticides, providing a steady demand floor.
- Challenges:
- Obsolescence Risk: The primary challenge is the existential threat posed by C4 (Isobutylene) and C1 (Coal/Ethylene) technologies. New MMA plants built in China and globally are almost exclusively non-ACH. This renders existing ACH capacity vulnerable to being undercut on cost and environmental compliance.
- Overcapacity Crisis: With China holding 2.2 million tons of capacity against a backdrop of 50-60% utilization, price wars are inevitable. This environment punishes non-integrated or smaller producers.
- Environmental & Safety Regulation: The handling of HCN and the disposal of ammonium bisulfate require increasingly expensive compliance measures. In regions like Europe and parts of China, these costs are accelerating the closure of older plants.
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Executive SummaryChapter 2 Abbreviation and Acronyms
Chapter 3 Preface
Chapter 4 Market Landscape
Chapter 5 Market Trend Analysis
Chapter 6 Industry Chain Analysis
Chapter 7 Latest Market Dynamics
Chapter 8 Trading Analysis
Chapter 9 Historical and Forecast Acetone Cyanohydrin Market in North America (2021-2031)
Chapter 10 Historical and Forecast Acetone Cyanohydrin Market in South America (2021-2031)
Chapter 11 Historical and Forecast Acetone Cyanohydrin Market in Asia & Pacific (2021-2031)
Chapter 12 Historical and Forecast Acetone Cyanohydrin Market in Europe (2021-2031)
Chapter 13 Historical and Forecast Acetone Cyanohydrin Market in MEA (2021-2031)
Chapter 14 Summary for Global Acetone Cyanohydrin Market (2021-2026)
Chapter 15 Global Acetone Cyanohydrin Market Forecast (2026-2031)
Chapter 16 Analysis of Global Key Vendors
List of Tables and Figures
Companies Mentioned
- Mitsubishi Chemical
- Chongqing Yixiang Chemical Co. Ltd.
- Dow
- Röhm
- Mitsubishi Gas Chemical
- Kuraray
- Kaohsiung Monomer Company (KMC)
- Jiangsu Sailboat Petrochemical Co. Ltd.
- Zhejiang Petroleum & Chemical Co Ltd (ZPC)
- Jiangsu Jiankun Chemical Co. Ltd
- Kingfa Sci. & Tech. Co. Ltd.
- Sinochem Quanzhou Petrochemical Co. Ltd.
- Shandong Hong Xu Chemical Limited
- Shandong Hong Xu Chemical Limited
- Heilongjiang Zhongmeng Longxin Chemical Co.Ltd.
- CNOOC Fudao Co. Ltd.
- Dongying Yuetian Chemical Co. Ltd.
