1.4-butanediol (made by Reppe process with acetylene (from natural gas) and formaldehyde)

Process description: The Reppe process with acetylene (from natural gas) and formaldehyde produces the main product 1,4-butanediol. For this purpose, the process consumes caustic soda (50%), methanol, sulfuric acid, n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, hydrogen, oxygen, and natural gas. Utilities consumed comprise electricity, steam, cooling water, inert gas, and process water. Additionally, the process produces thermal energy as a utility by-product. The multifunctionality problem for the utility by-product is solved by system expansion via the avoided burden approach. Dataset type is technology-specific (core layer). Allocation type is no allocation needed in this unit process. In case of energy co-production, allocation via avoided burden is applied for the co-produced energy. CAS RN is 110-63-4. All datasets are based on the attributional LCA approach and the methodology defined in the cm.chemicals methodology document.