Adiponitrile
Adiponitrile is the key molecule for nylon 66 production. In the original DuPont process it was produced from adipic acid, but this synthesis was uncompetitive. Two alternative routes were subsequently developed in the 1960s & 1970s starting from either butadiene/gas or propylene. Control of both of these technologies rests with a limited number of companies and they are currently not available for license.
Essentially the only application for ADN is as an intermediate for HMDA production. In 2010 1197ktes of ADN were produced. Of this, 71% was produced by the butadiene/gas route and 29% from propylene, via acrylonitrile.
Demand for adiponitrile is growing at 1.4% CAGR (2000-2020) in line with overall HMDA growth.