C&EN ANNUAL REVIEW of DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CHEMICAL AND PROCESS INDUSTRIES

Abstract

Board index of industrial chemicals production (1935-39=100) continue its steady climb from a postwar low of 388 in August 1949 to a new high of 457 in September 1950. It is perhaps characteristic of the chemical industry that this September level exceeded by a considerable margin the World War II peak of 412, reached in June 1945. All indications are that the index continued to rise during the quarter just ended and will carry its upward course into the coming year, although perhaps at a slower rate since increases from now on must come almost entirely from new capacity. Virtually all branches of the industry shared in the production gains, some more than others. Among the inorganics, major increases were recorded for ammonia calcium carbide, chlorine and caustic soda (despite a three-months strike affecting two major producers), chrome colors, aod hydrochloric, nitric, phosphoric, and sulfuric acids. Of the major organics, acetic acid, acetic anhydrides, benzene ...