Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd Granted US Patent for Isobutyl Benzene Preparation Method

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) has been granted a US patent for the method of preparation of iso-Butyl Benzene (i-BB). This recognition highlights the novelty and technical excellence of the in-house developed process, which involves the side-chain alkylation of an aromatic moiety from a low-value captive stream, facilitated by a newly engineered catalyst. This pioneering process is designed for high conversion rates and outstanding selectivity towards the desired i-BB product. Iso-Butyl Benzene is a critical intermediate in the synthesis of Brufen, a widely used analgesic drug. By developing this technology indigenously, MRPL reduces dependence on imported materials and strengthens its contribution to the domestic pharmaceutical sector. MRPL is currently setting up a pilot plant for i-BB production, a key step towards commercial-scale production.