Catalysis has contributed significantly to recent progress in technology for the petrochemical industry. Single site metallocene catalysts for polyolefins and biphasic homogeneous catalysis are two examples. In general, environmental objectives will require catalysts and process design for much higher conversions and much better selectivities which would not be economic otherwise. There is an increasing overlap between refinery and petrochemical operations. Petrochemicals are produced on a large scale for the gasoline pool and the two industries are linked to supply of raw materials. Catalysts plays a key role in optimizing this interaction. This paper focuses on attempts for converting natural gas to improve catalytic routes to the main materials for the industry, syngas, and olefins. The manufacture of syngas is efficient, but expensive. The choice of technology depends on the scale of operation. Schemes to make methanol directly from natural gas are analyzed. Methanol may also be manufactured in coproduction schemes in ammonia plants or in power plants. Direct conversion of natural gas into olefins appears non-feasible. It may be more promising to manufacture olefins via methanol. Methanol and DME are syngas derived products which may be useful in both the refinery and the petrochemical industry. Cheap large scale DME may represent a challenge for the petrochemical industry.
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