Diisopropyl Oxalate Manufacturing Plant Project Report 2025: Cost Analysis, ROI, and Feasibility Insights

Diisopropyl Oxalate Manufacturing Plant Project Report by Procurement Resource thoroughly focuses on every detail that encompasses the cost of manufacturing. Our extensive cost model meticulously covers breaking down Diisopropyl Oxalate plant capital cost around raw materials, labour, technology, and manufacturing expenses. This enables precise cost structure optimization and helps in identifying effective strategies to reduce the overall Diisopropyl Oxalate manufacturing plant cost and the cash cost of manufacturing.

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Diisopropyl oxalate is a speciality organic that is used as a solvent and a chemical intermediate in various industrial applications. It has two ester groups that make it a useful building block in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other fine chemicals. The growing demand for synthetic reagents and environmentally favourable solvents contributes to its demand in global fine chemicals and speciality industries.
 

Industrial Applications of Diisopropyl Oxalate

Diisopropyl oxalate is used as a solvent and chemical intermediate in various sectors:

• Chemical Synthesis: It works as an important building block for various complex organic molecules because of its two ester functionalities and the simple oxalate backbone.
  • Pharmaceutical Intermediates: It is used in the synthesis of certain drug molecules, mainly those that require condensation or as a source of oxalate functionality. It is also used as a precursor to other active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) or their intermediates.
  • Agrochemicals: It is employed in the production of specialised herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides where the oxalate moiety or subsequent reaction products give them unique biological activity.
  • Fine Chemicals: It is utilised in the synthesis of other speciality chemicals and advanced materials where specific ester linkages or a source of oxalate is needed.
• Solvent Applications: It has good solvency power for various organic compounds, making it suitable for industrial uses.
  • Resins and Polymers: It is used as a solvent for certain resins and polymers, facilitating their processing.
  • Speciality Coatings and Inks: It is employed in formulations for specific coatings or inks to control drying times and flow properties.
     

Top 5 Industrial Manufacturers of Diisopropyl Oxalate

The diisopropyl oxalate manufacturing is done by speciality chemical producers and fine chemical suppliers that specialise in ester production. 

• Sigma-Aldrich
• Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
• Apollo Scientific Ltd. 
• Parchem Fine & Specialty Chemicals
• GFS Chemicals
   

Feedstock for Diisopropyl Oxalate and its Market Dynamics

The primary feedstock for diisopropyl oxalate production is oxalic acid and isopropyl alcohol. A proper value chain evaluation of these key raw materials is necessary to understand the dynamics that influence the should cost of production for diisopropyl oxalate.

• Oxalic Acid: It is produced by the oxidation of carbohydrates (like glucose, molasses) using nitric acid or air, or by the carbonylation of alkali formates. The price of oxalic acid is influenced by the cost of its precursors (like glucose from agricultural products, methanol/natural gas for carbon monoxide), and the energy required for its synthesis. The changes in its demand as a cleaning agent, rare earth processing, and textile processing further affect its price and availability.
• Isopropyl Alcohol: It is produced by the hydration of propylene (a petrochemical) or by the hydrogenation of acetone. Propylene is a major olefin from steam cracking or fluid catalytic cracking. The price of isopropyl alcohol is directly affected by crude oil prices (via propylene) and is influenced by demand from its major end-uses (e.g., solvents, disinfectants, chemical intermediates). Its price also depends on the overall supply-demand balance in the petrochemical industry.
   

Market Drivers for Diisopropyl Oxalate

The market for diisopropyl oxalate is driven by several factors:

• Growing Demand for Speciality Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals: The need for precise chemical intermediates in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and fine chemical industries drives demand.
• Demand for High-Purity Solvents: The demand for high-purity solvents for specific extraction, reaction, or formulation purposes contributes to the demand for diisopropyl oxalate.
• Technological Advancements in Esterification: Improvements in esterification processes (like catalyst development, efficient water removal, continuous processing) improve production efficiency metrics and can reduce the cost per metric ton (USD/MT) of diisopropyl oxalate.
• Geographical Market Dynamics:
  • Asia-Pacific (APAC): This region’s market is driven by rapid growth in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and fine chemical sectors. It fuels diisopropyl oxalate manufacturing and consumption because of its lower manufacturing expenses and expanding industrial base.
  • North America and Europe: These regions’ demand is supported by mature pharmaceutical R&D, advanced fine chemical manufacturing, and strict quality requirements for speciality ingredients.
     

Capital and Operational Expenses for a Diisopropyl Oxalate Plant

Establishing a Diisopropyl Oxalate manufacturing plant involves a significant total capital expenditure (CAPEX) and careful management of ongoing operating expenses (OPEX). A detailed cost model and production cost analysis are crucial for determining economic feasibility and optimising the overall Diisopropyl Oxalate plant cost.
 

CAPEX: Comprehensive Diisopropyl Oxalate Plant Capital Cost

The total capital expenditure (CAPEX) for a Diisopropyl Oxalate plant covers all fixed assets required for the esterification reaction, extraction, and purification. This is a major component of the overall investment cost.

• Site Acquisition and Preparation (5-8% of Total CAPEX):
  • Land Acquisition: Purchasing suitable industrial land, preferably near feedstock suppliers and with access to utilities and transportation. Requires consideration for safety distances for flammable isopropyl alcohol and toluene.
  • Site Development: Foundations for reactors, distillation columns, extraction vessels, and tanks, internal roads, drainage systems, and high-capacity utility connections (power, water, steam).
• Raw Material Storage and Handling (10-15% of Total CAPEX):
  • Oxalic Acid Storage: Silos or hoppers for solid oxalic acid powder, with conveying systems.
  • Isopropyl Alcohol Storage: Flammable-liquid storage tanks for isopropyl alcohol, requiring fire protection, inert gas blanketing, and vapour recovery systems. Includes precise metering pumps and transfer lines.
  • p-Toluenesulfonic Acid Storage: Storage for the solid acid catalyst, with safe dosing systems.
  • Toluene Storage: Flammable-liquid storage tanks for toluene, requiring explosion-proof design.
  • Baking Soda Storage: Storage for solid baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) for neutralisation.
• Reaction Section (20-30% of Total CAPEX):
  • Esterification Reactor: A jacketed, agitated reactor (e.g., glass-lined steel or stainless steel with appropriate lining) designed for the reaction of oxalic acid with isopropyl alcohol. It must withstand elevated temperatures (e.g., heating for a day) and the corrosive nature of the acid catalyst. Requires efficient heating/cooling systems and reflux condensers. This is central to the Diisopropyl Oxalate manufacturing plant cost.
  • Water Removal System: Equipment (e.g., decanter, Dean-Stark trap with reflux condenser) for continuous removal of water formed during the esterification to drive the reaction to completion.
• Separation and Purification Section (25-35% of Total CAPEX):
  • Neutralisation Tank: For neutralising the solution with baking soda after heating, requiring agitation.
  • Liquid-Liquid Extraction/Separation Vessels: For separating the organic layer (containing Diisopropyl Oxalate in toluene) from the aqueous layer by using toluene and water after cooling. This involves decanters or agitated extraction columns.
  • Washing Tanks: For washing the toluene part with salt water to clear impurities.
  • Distillation Columns: A series of high-efficiency vacuum distillation columns is essential for purifying Diisopropyl Oxalate. This involves separating toluene (for recycling) from Diisopropyl Oxalate, and then purifying the Diisopropyl Oxalate itself. The remaining liquid is purified by heating it under a vacuum to obtain pure Diisopropyl Oxalate. Vacuum is crucial due to DIPO's relatively high boiling point (approx. 250 degree Celsius).
  • Reboilers and Condensers: Extensive heat exchange equipment for energy-intensive distillation.
  • Solvent Recovery System: For recovering and recycling toluene and isopropyl alcohol from various streams (e.g., washing, distillation).
• Finished Product Storage and Packaging (5-8% of Total CAPEX):
  • Storage Tanks: For purified Diisopropyl Oxalate, typically stainless steel.
  • Packaging Equipment: Pumps, filling machines for drums, IBCs, or bulk tanker loading systems.
• Utility Systems (10-15% of Total CAPEX):
  • Steam Generation: Boilers for providing steam for heating reactors, distillation columns, and evaporators.
  • Cooling Water System: Cooling towers and pumps for process cooling and condensation.
  • Electrical Distribution: Explosion-proof electrical systems in areas handling flammable isopropyl alcohol and toluene.
  • Compressed Air System: For instrumentation and pneumatic actuators.
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant: Facilities for treating acidic/alkaline/saline wastewater streams (containing salts, residual organics).
• Automation and Instrumentation (5-10% of Total CAPEX):
  • Distributed Control System (DCS) / PLC systems for precise monitoring and control of temperature, pH, pressure, and flow.
  • Analysers for in-process quality control.
• Quality Control Laboratory: Equipped for rigorous chemical and physical testing to ensure product specifications are met for fine chemical applications.
• Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Costs (10-15% of Total CAPEX):
  • Includes detailed process design, material sourcing, construction of compliant facilities, and rigorous commissioning.

These components define the total capital expenditure (CAPEX), significantly impacting the initial Diisopropyl Oxalate plant capital cost and the viability of the investment cost.
 

OPEX: Detailed Manufacturing Expenses and Production Cost Analysis

Operating expenses (OPEX) are the recurring manufacturing expenses necessary for the continuous production of Diisopropyl Oxalate. These costs are crucial for the production cost analysis and determining the cost per metric ton (USD/MT) of DIPO.

• Raw Material Costs (Approx. 50-70% of Total OPEX):
  • Oxalic Acid: Major raw material expense. Its cost is influenced by its upstream feedstocks. Strategic industrial procurement is vital to manage its market price fluctuation.
  • Isopropyl Alcohol: Significant cost, influenced by propylene prices. Efficient recycling is critical for cost control.
  • p-Toluenesulfonic Acid: Cost of the special acid catalyst.
  • Toluene: Cost of the solvent. Efficient recycling (recovering after separating by using toluene and water) is crucial to minimise manufacturing expenses.
  • Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): Cost of baking soda for neutralisation.
  • Salt Water/Sodium Chloride: Cost of salt for washing (or water if internal brine).
  • Process Water: For reactions, washing, and utilities.
• Utility Costs (Approx. 15-25% of Total OPEX):
  • Energy: Primarily steam for heating reactors and distillation/evaporation, and electricity for pumps, agitators, and process control. Distillation is a major energy consumer. The long heating time ("for a day") adds to energy consumption.
  • Cooling Water: For process cooling.
  • Natural Gas/Fuel: For boiler operation.
• Labour Costs (Approx. 8-15% of Total OPEX):
  • Salaries, wages, and benefits for operators, maintenance staff, and QC personnel.
• Maintenance and Repairs (Approx. 3-6% of Fixed Capital):
  • Routine preventative maintenance programs, unscheduled repairs, and replacement of parts for reactors (especially those handling acids), distillation columns, and pumps.
• Waste Management and Environmental Compliance (2-4% of Total OPEX):
  • Costs associated with treating and disposing of acidic/alkaline/saline wastewater streams (containing salts, residual organics, spent toluene after separation by using toluene and water). Managing toluene emissions is crucial. Compliance with environmental regulations is vital.
• Depreciation and Amortisation (Approx. 5-10% of Total OPEX):
  • Non-cash expenses that account for the wear and tear of the total capital expenditure (CAPEX) assets over their useful life.
• Indirect Operating Costs (Variable):
  • Insurance premiums, property taxes, and expenses for research and development aimed at improving production efficiency metrics or exploring new cost structure optimisation strategies.
• Logistics and Distribution: Costs for transporting raw materials to the plant and finished Diisopropyl Oxalate to customers, often requiring bulk liquid handling.

Effective management of these operating expenses (OPEX) through continuous process improvement, efficient industrial procurement of feedstock, and stringent quality control is paramount for ensuring the long-term profitability and competitiveness of Diisopropyl Oxalate manufacturing.
 

Diisopropyl Oxalate Industrial Manufacturing Process

This report comprises a thorough value chain evaluation for Diisopropyl Oxalate manufacturing and consists of an in-depth production cost analysis revolving around industrial Diisopropyl Oxalate manufacturing. The process relies on a catalysed esterification reaction with a subsequent purification scheme.
 

Preparation from Adipic Acid:

The production of diisopropyl oxalate in the presence of oxalic acid and isopropyl alcohol. In this reaction,  oxalic acid is reacted with isopropyl alcohol in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid as a catalyst. The mixture is heated to promote esterification, during which water is continuously removed to increase yield. After that, the solution is neutralised and the organic layer is separated. Finally, the product is purified by vacuum distillation to obtain pure diisopropyl oxalate as the final product.
 

Properties of Diisopropyl Oxalate

Diisopropyl oxalate is the diester of oxalic acid and isopropyl alcohol. It has two isopropyl ester groups linked by the simple oxalate backbone. It has different physical and chemical properties that make it useful in industrial applications as a solvent and chemical intermediate.
 

Physical Properties

• Appearance: Clear, colourless liquid.
• Odour: Generally odourless or faint ester-like scent.
• Boiling Point: ~250–252 degree Celsius.
• Melting Point: ~–25 degree Celsius.
• Density: ~1.01–1.02 g/mL.
• Solubility: Sparingly soluble in water (~0.05 g/100mL); miscible with isopropyl alcohol, toluene, ethers, and hydrocarbons.
• Flash Point: ~110–115 degree Celsius.
   

Chemical Properties

• Diester Structure: Two isopropyl ester groups, reactive to hydrolysis.
• Hydrolysis: Can hydrolyse into oxalic acid and isopropyl alcohol under acidic/basic conditions or high temperatures.
• Transesterification: Reacts with other alcohols to form different oxalate esters.
• Reactivity: Generally stable but can undergo ester bond cleavage under specific conditions; not highly reactive to air or light.
   

Diisopropyl Oxalate Manufacturing Plant Report provides you with a detailed assessment of capital investment costs (CAPEX) and operational expenses (OPEX), generally measured as cost per metric ton (USD/MT). This approach ensures that your investment decisions are aligned with the latest industry standards and economic feasibility metrics, enhancing your manufacturing efficiency and financial planning.

Apart from that, this Diisopropyl Oxalate manufacturing plant report also covers the leading technology providers that help you plan a robust plan of action related to Diisopropyl Oxalate manufacturing plant and its production process(es), and also by helping you with an in-depth supplier database. This report provides exclusive insights into the best manufacturing practices for Diisopropyl Oxalate and technology implementation costs. This report also covers operational cash flow, fixed and variable costs, and detailed break-even point analysis, ensuring that your manufacturing process is not only efficient but also economically viable in the competitive market landscape.

In addition to operational insights, the Diisopropyl Oxalate manufacturing plant report also comprehensively focuses on lifecycle cost analysis, maintenance costs, and energy consumption costs, which are critical for maintaining long-term sustainability and profitability. Our manufacturing cost analysis extends to include regulatory compliance costs, inventory holding costs, and logistics and distribution costs, providing a holistic view of the potential expenses and savings.

We at Procurement Resource ensure that this report is not only cost-efficient, environmentally sustainable, and aligned with the latest technological advancements but also that you are equipped with all necessary tools to optimize supply chain operations, manage risks effectively, and achieve superior market positioning for Diisopropyl Oxalate.
 

Key Insights and Report Highlights

Key Questions Covered in our Diisopropyl Oxalate Manufacturing Plant Report

• How can the cost of producing Diisopropyl Oxalate be minimized, cash costs reduced, and manufacturing expenses managed efficiently to maximize overall efficiency? 
• What is the estimated Diisopropyl Oxalate manufacturing plant cost?
• What are the initial investment and capital expenditure requirements for setting up a Diisopropyl Oxalate manufacturing plant, and how do these investments affect economic feasibility and ROI?
• How do we select and integrate technology providers to optimize the production process of Diisopropyl Oxalate, and what are the associated implementation costs?
• How can operational cash flow be managed, and what strategies are recommended to balance fixed and variable costs during the operational phase of Diisopropyl Oxalate manufacturing?
• How do market price fluctuations impact the profitability and cost per metric ton (USD/MT) for Diisopropyl Oxalate, and what pricing strategy adjustments are necessary?
• What are the lifecycle costs and break-even points for Diisopropyl Oxalate manufacturing, and which production efficiency metrics are critical for success?
• What strategies are in place to optimize the supply chain and manage inventory, ensuring regulatory compliance and minimizing energy consumption costs?
• How can labor efficiency be optimized, and what measures are in place to enhance quality control and minimize material waste?
• What are the logistics and distribution costs, what financial and environmental risks are associated with entering new markets, and how can these be mitigated?
• What are the costs and benefits associated with technology upgrades, modernization, and protecting intellectual property in Diisopropyl Oxalate manufacturing?
• What types of insurance are required, and what are the comprehensive risk mitigation costs for Diisopropyl Oxalate manufacturing?