Sibur starts work on 350 tonne per year n-Butyllithium plant

Petrochemicals company Sibur has commenced construction of Russia’s largest industrial facility for producing n-Butyllithium, a key catalyst used in the manufacture of thermoplastic elastomers and synthetic rubbers, such as the styrene-butadiene (SBR) rubbers utilised in tyre production. The use of n-Butyllithium also plays a key role in the production of butadiene (SKD-L) and thermoplastic elastomers (SBS). The aim of this project is to ensure technological independence when making these products while opening up opportunities for developing several sectors.