Evonik acquires catalyst business from H.C. Starck

On February 26, 2010 Evonik Industries acquired the catalyst business of H.C. Starck GmbH based in Goslar (Germany). The know-how and technology relating to the production and use of Amperkat^® catalysts have therefore been transferred to Evonik. Following a transition phase, Evonik will produce these catalysts in Hanau (Germany). The Amperkat^® brand comprises activated metal catalysts—known as skeletal catalysts and customized supported catalysts. The Amperkat® business focuses principally on activated nickel catalysts, which are used in the pharmaceuticals and food industries and in fine and industrial chemicals, for example, for producing selective pharmaceutical active substances, sweeteners, and starting materials for polyurethanes for the building materials and automotive sectors.

Evonik is a global leader in producing activated metal catalysts and precious metal powder catalysts. Both product groups are used in similar market segments, but their activity and selectivity differ enormously. The acquisition of Amperkat® catalysts complements Evonik’s present range of products and customized solutions.

“Catalysts are not off-the-rack products; they need to be specially tailored to every individual synthesis reaction,” explains Dr. Wilfried Eul, who heads Evonik’s Catalysts Business Line. “The H.C. Starck technologies give us additional tools to produce the optimal catalyst for each reaction.” The newly acquired business also makes it possible for Evonik to manufacture activated metal catalysts based on spray alloys and in tablet form, two highly specialized processes that offer additional freedom when designing high-performance catalysts. “That strengthens our position as a fully integrated supplier of systems solutions for catalysis,” comments Eul.

Evonik is a leading global supplier of catalytic system solutions. It offers an extensive range of catalysts from a single source, as well as integrated services for customers in the life sciences, fine chemicals, industrial chemicals, chemical intermediates, petrochemicals, and polymer industries.

^® = Registered trademark of H.C. Starck GmbH, Goslar (Germany); license held by Evonik Degussa GmbH, Essen (Germany)