Oleochemistry uses renewable raw materials. Cross-metathesis allows it. Our future needs it.
High-performance silicones. Innovation revolutionizing everyday life.
Innovating in industry using advanced catalyst technologies
Success in the fine chemicals industry relies on creating highly functional chemicals as efficiently as possible. With an ever-expanding portfolio of homogeneous catalysts and heterogeneous catalyst precursors, we make sure to provide the skills and expertise needed for any chemical synthesis. Our range of highly important reactions includes the Nobel Prize-winning cross-coupling and metathesis chemistries, as well as reactions including hydrogenation, hydroformylation and amination reactions.
Whether you need to create agrochemicals, fragrances or polymer materials, we have the catalyst that will work for you. By applying our knowledge of the precious metals industry, we can help you to create new chemicals that excel in your industry.
Fine chemical production
Efficient catalysts accelerate production & innovation
Regardless of your chemical industry, we leverage our years of expertise in precious and fine chemicals production to accelerate innovation. Whether you need to produce an agrochemical through a cross-coupling or metathesis reaction, or your fine chemical product involves an amination reaction step, we can provide the catalyst to accelerate production.
We believe the best partnerships are those forged through collaboration. We therefore take the time to get to know your individual requirements to ensure your endeavour is a success.
Our portfolio of homogeneous catalysts only continues to grow. The inclusion of the Grubbs Catalyst® Technology range means we offer unrivalled access to the best metathesis catalysts to perform metathesis chemistry. If your reaction requires a cross-metathesis, a ring-opening or ring-closing metathesis reaction, we can provide the solution. In addition, our Buchwald and Hazari precatalysts enable you to perform highly efficient cross-coupling reactions.
Functional materials and polymers
Developing sustainable functional materials for a greener future
We are constantly developing sustainable solutions to combat the world’s biggest challenges. Our technologies are actively being used by companies that are investigating bio-based alternatives to replace petroleum-derived chemicals and materials. Take metathesis as just one example. We combine our decades of experience optimising this reaction with the best portfolio, using our Grubbs Catalyst® Technologies to create success. With this revolutionary reaction, our customers have access to efficient ways to sustainably synthesise high-performance materials.
Nowadays, manufacturers desire chemicals that provide high functionality through optimised reactions. This could mean that a manufacturer values the high yield of their hydrosilylation reaction, achievable through appropriate catalysis, or it could mean forming complex branching polymers through a ring-opening polymerisation reaction. Performance is valued differently by different manufacturers, and we work with our customers and partners to ensure every project meets their expectations.
Oxo industry
A century’s old reaction leading today’s business
Dating back to the 1930’s, oxo synthesis, also known as hydroformylation, is one of the most important homogeneous transition metal-based reactions. Involving the formation of an aldehyde functional group, oxo synthesis produces several million tons of aldehyde chemicals every year. Oxo synthesis serves to create vital intermediates for many essential industrial chemicals such as surfactants, solvents and PVC additives.
Success and cost-effectivesess in the oxo industry rely on the successful management of the rhodium metal catalyst. We have set up our business around supplying highly active catalysts, providing the necessary routes to recycle spent catalysts when needed, and ensuring the catalyst is available in the condition they require.
Furthermore, we have innovated our recycling technologies to ensure no rhodium metal is lost throughout the process. We also work to provide you, the customer, with accurate information on catalyst lifetimes and recyclability.
For more on our recycling capabilities visit our dedicated Precious Metals Refining website.
Salts & solutions for heterogeneous catalysis
Unlocking the power with high-performance precursors
At Umicore PMC, we understand the critical role that heterogeneous catalysis plays in industrial processes. That's why we've dedicated ourselves to providing high-performance precursors that enhance catalytic efficiency, improve process outcomes, and drive sustainability. Explore our range of precursors tailored to meet your specific industry needs.
Why Choose Umicore PMC?
Global presence & reliable supply capability: We offer short lead times and large production capacities. With a global presence and the flexibility to offer small and large quantities of precursors, you can count on us to provide timely solutions to meet your needs wherever you are.
Excellent customer service & technical support: Our dedicated team is always ready to support your projects and campaigns, ensuring our customers can execute on time and efficiently. Our close collaboration with customers fosters trust and long-term partnerships.
Transparent pricing: With a clear structured pricing model based on three components—metal, metal loss, and processing into the product—we provide our customers with maximum transparency.
Explore our portfolio of high-performance precursors designed to meet the demands of various industrial applications.
Looking to push the boundaries of catalytic performance? Partner with us to explore collaborative innovation opportunities. Our experienced team, coupled with robust R&D capabilities, is ready to work with you to achieve your goals and create the next generation of functional materials.
Surface technologies
Chemicals for perfect surfaces
Plating in its different process variations including electroplating, electroless deposition, plating on plastic and many others is used to enhance the properties of a wide variety of products ranging from decorative applications to mirror manufacturing, corrosion inhibition, improved wearability, increased conductivity and several additional processing properties.
Contact us to gain access to our portfolio of chemicals for plating applications and surface technologies. Our customers benefit from our global presence, large production capacities and short lead times.
Gas sensors
Helping you create reliable and accurate gas sensors
Electrochemical sensors able to detect toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, as well as explosive or flammable gases are crucial to ensure a safe and healthy working and living environment. For sensor production, high surface area precious metal powders and oxides are the materials of choice as the catalytic reaction of those gases on the powder surface is very sensitive and selective.
To help you produce reliable and fast-responding gas sensors we provide high-quality precious metal powders that will allow you to achieve the most accurate monitoring. Our global presence and short lead-times characterize us.
Diagnostics
Supporting the fast-growing diagnostic testing industry
Recent events like the Covid-19 pandemic have highlighted the importance of diagnostic tests to enable an early diagnosis of disease. Reliable and highly sensitive diagnostic tools able to detect this and other diseases at an early stage are since becoming essential to increase our quality of life and health.
We want to be your partner contributing to the future of the diagnostic testing industry. Our global footprint and high metal throughput enable us to have a shortened and cost-efficient manufacturing to provide you with sustainable solutions to meet your specific requirements.