- Summary
- Table Of Content
- Methodology
Isononanoic Acid Market Size:
Isononanoic Acid Market size is growing with a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period (2025-2032), and the market is projected to be valued at USD 444.22 Million by 2032 from USD 323.20 Million in 2024. Additionally, the market value for the 2025 attributes to USD 335.31 Million.
Isononanoic Acid Market Scope & Overview:
Isononanoic acid (INA) is also known as pelargonic acid. It is a synthetic, branched-chain C9 carboxylic acid. It is a colorless and high-boiling liquid fatty acid. It is manufactured by hydroformylation of C8 olefins followed by oxidation. It has unique properties such as low volatility, and high thermal and hydrolytic stability. It also provides effective corrosion inhibition. It is available at various purity levels. This includes upto 90%, which is used for general industrial applications, and above 90%, which is used for more specialized uses such as cosmetic or food grades. It finds usage across various applications such as lubricants, plasticizers, and paint & coatings.
Isononanoic Acid Market Dynamics - (DRO) :
Key Drivers:
Increasing Lubricants Production is Accelerating Isononanoic Acid Market Expansion.
Isononanoic acid is a critical component in the production of high-performance lubricants. It imparts excellent thermal and hydrolytic stability. This makes lubricants resistant to degradation under high temperatures. Moreover, it contributes superior lubricity and wear protection. Growth in the automotive and industrial sectors has led to an increase in lubricants demand. Consequently, manufacturers are increasing production capacity, thus requiring this acid for multiple applications.
For instance,
- In 2024, JSC Top Technology Lubricants, now operating the former TotalEnergies plant in the Kaluga Region of Russia, has begun producing lubricants specifically for electric vehicles, thus positively impacting the isononanoic acid market trends.
Overall, increasing lubricants production is significantly boosting the isononanoic acid market expansion.
Rising Demand for Paint & Coatings is Driving the Market
Isononanoic acid is used as a monomer in the paints and coatings formulations. They offer good adhesion to different substrates. This makes them suitable for a range of applications. Its acid also serves as an effective corrosion inhibitor. This protects metal surfaces in automotive, marine, and industrial coatings from rust and degradation. Rapid urbanization and infrastructure development have led to an increase in demand for paint & coating, thus requiring this acid in the production process.
For instance,
- Senbaoli Chemical reported that China's 2023 coating output grew by 4.5% over the prior year, totaling 35.77 million tons, thus positively impacting the isononanoic acid market trends.
Thus, the rising need for paint & coatings is accelerating the global isononanoic acid market growth.
Key Restraints:
Growing Commercialization of Alternatives is Hampering the Isononanoic Acid Market Demand.
The market faces competition from other substitutes available in the market. For instance, acids such as ethylhexanoic acid and valeric acid offer similar chemical properties and sometimes are more cost-effective. They are more easily sourced for applications such as food. Moreover, adipates and sebacates plasticizers are known for providing good low-temperature flexibility. This makes them competitive in applications such as cosmetics. Additionally, bio-based short-chain fatty acids demand is driven by sustainability. They offer a greener profile and reduced carbon footprint. They also offer lower toxicity. This is appealing to eco-conscious industries and consumers. Hence, the growing commercialization of substitutes is hampering the isononanoic acid market demand.
Future Opportunities :
Expanding Chemical Sector is Expected to Increase Isononanoic Acid Market Opportunities
Isononanoic acid is a crucial chemical intermediate within the broader chemical sector. It is widely utilized as a building block for synthesizing various high-performance derivatives. This includes esters, amides, diols, anhydrides, and metal salts among others. Its unique branched structure imparts desirable properties to these chemicals. Rising need from various end-use sectors such as electronics and healthcare has increased the production the chemicals, hence needing this acid as a main component.
For instance,
- According to the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada, exports of chemicals are expected to grow by 2-4%. This creates potential for the market.
Overall, expanding the chemical sector is expected to increase the isononanoic acid market opportunities.
Isononanoic Acid Market Segmental Analysis :
By Purity Level:
Based on purity level, the market is categorized into upto 90% and above 90%.
Trends in Purity Level:
- There is a rising need for above 90% purity for applications such as cosmetics and lubricants. It is because they enhanced product quality and stability.
- Growing regulatory requirements in food-contact applications are driving the need for above 90% purity to ensure safety and compliance.
The upto 90% segment accounted for the largest market share in 2024.
- Upto 90% purity refers to its industrial and technical grade. It means the product contains at least 90% isononanoic acid.
- The remaining percentage comprises other isomers of nonanoic acid and minor impurities inherent to the manufacturing process.
- It is generally more economical to produce, and purchase compared to higher purity grades. This makes it attractive for large-volume industrial applications.
- For many applications, particularly in the production of bulk chemicals such as plasticizers, lubricants, and certain paints and coatings, this purity level is perfectly adequate.
- It is widely used where the exact isomeric composition is less critical than the overall carboxylic acid functionality. All these benefits contribute to its increased usage.
- Overall, as per the market analysis, the aforementioned factors are driving a segment in the isononanoic acid market growth.
The above 90% segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
- Above 90% purity refers to grades with a minimum purity of 90% and typically 99% or even higher.
- Reduced impurity levels lead to greater chemical and thermal stability in formulations. This extends product shelf-life and performance under high-pressure conditions.
- It is crucial for applications in sensitive sectors such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food, where strict regulations require minimal impurities for safety and efficacy. Rapid growth in these industries will drive the segment.
- For instance, according to Vinculum Group, from 2022 to 2027, the UAE's beauty and personal care market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6%.
- According to market analysis, above 90% purity offering superior stability and crucial for strict regulatory compliance will drive the segmental share for the upcoming years.
By Application:
Based on application, the market is categorized into lubricants, plasticizers, paints & coatings, cosmetics & personal care products, adhesives & sealants, detergents & industrial cleaning, chemical intermediates, and others.
Trends in the Application
- The growing trend towards non-phthalate plasticizers in sensitive applications such as consumer goods, is driving pelargonic acid demand for flexibility and safety.
- Surging consumer preference for high-performance skincare drives the need for pelargonic acid as a gentle, effective emollient and skin-conditioning agent.
The lubricants segment accounted for the largest market share of 38.22% in 2024.
- Pelargonic acid is a key component in lubricants. It provides them with thermal and oxidative stability.
- It also provides compatibility with non-ozone-depleting and low-GWP refrigeration gases.
- It is also used in industrial lubricants to reduce friction and heat during metalworking processes. Increased usage in various industries is driving lubricant production, thus driving segment share.
- For instance, in 2024, Shell has doubled the production capacity of its Lubricants in Indonesia. This will allow the plant to produce up to 300 million liters of lubricants annually.
- Overall, as per the market analysis, the growing production of lubricants is driving the segment in the isononanoic acid
The chemical intermediates segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
- Pelargonic acid serves as a vital chemical intermediate across numerous industrial syntheses.
- Its unique branched C9 structure makes it a highly versatile building block. It undergoes various reactions such as esterification to form a wide range of esters.
- It also reacts to form metal salts and accelerates the curing process. Moreover, it is a precursor for various specialty chemicals including peroxides, which are used as polymerization catalysts in plastics manufacturing.
- Its application extends to the synthesis of agrochemicals and is mainly in producing chemicals such as anhydrides, amides, and diols.
- Thus, according to isononanoic acid market analysis, the aforementioned factors will drive the segment for the forecasted years.
Regional Analysis:
The regional segment includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.
In 2024, Asia Pacific accounted for the highest isononanoic acid market share at 40.11% and was valued at USD 129.64 Million and is expected to reach USD 190.51 Million in 2032. In Asia Pacific, the China accounted for the isononanoic acid market share of 37.55% during the base year of 2024. The rapidly expanding paints and coatings sector is a primary driver of the market. This is spurred by robust urbanization and extensive infrastructure development. Countries such as China, India, and South Korea lead the market.
For instance,
- ORIM Advisors reported that the Indian paint industry grew significantly with a 14%–15% CAGR from FY19 to FY23.
INA is used to produce high-performance and durable paints and coatings. It enhances their resistance to harsh conditions and yellowing. Moreover, it plays a vital role as a corrosion inhibitor. It also serves as a component in paint driers. This accelerates curing times. Overall, the growing need for paint and coating is driving the market in the region.
In Europe, the isononanoic acid market is experiencing the fastest growth with a CAGR of 5.7% over the forecast period. There is increased production of adhesives and sealants in the region. This growth is fueled by the increasing need from the automotive sector for lightweighting and assembly. Additionally, there is also a rising trend towards more durable and sustainable bonding solutions. INA enhances the performance of adhesives and sealants. It improves adhesion, durability, and resistance to environmental factors. It also improves bonding strength and flexibility.
North America’s isononanoic acid market analysis indicates that several key trends are contributing to its growth in the region. There is a growing production of various types of lubricants in the region. Industries are prioritizing efficiency and equipment longevity, favoring advanced synthetic formulations. INA is crucial in this context. It is primarily utilized in the synthesis of synthetic polyol esters. These esters serve as premium base stocks for lubricants in challenging applications such as aviation turbines, refrigeration compressors, and various industrial machinery. It imparts excellent oxidative resistance and enhanced lubricity.
Middle East and Africa (MEA) market analysis indicates that the region is experiencing a robust expansion in its personal care and cosmetics sector. This is driven by rising disposable incomes and increasing consumer awareness regarding personal grooming and beauty trends. Pelargonic acid is increasingly used as a high-performance ingredient. It functions as an excellent emollient and skin-conditioning agent. This enhances the texture and spreadability. It also provides moisturizing properties of lotions, creams, and other skincare formulations.
Latin America's region creates potential for the market. The production of detergents and industrial cleaning products is increasing in the region. This is driven by heightened awareness of hygiene and robust growth in commercial and industrial establishments such as hospitality, healthcare, and manufacturing. Pelargonic acid is used as a precursor in synthesizing surfactants and detergents. This enhances their cleaning efficacy. Moreover, it functions as an emulsifying agent and surface cleaner. This contributes to the effectiveness and stability of various household and industrial cleaning formulations.
Top Key Players and Market Share Insights:
The Isononanoic Acid market is highly competitive with major players providing products to the national and international markets. Key players are adopting several strategies in research and development (R&D) and product innovation to hold a strong position in the global Isononanoic Acid market. Key players in The Isononanoic Acid industry include-
- BASF SE (Germany)
- Haihang Group (China)
- BOC Sciences (United States)
- JYT Chemical (China)
- Nanjing FNAT Chemical Co., Ltd (China)
- Oxea GmbH (Japan)
- Hairui Chemical (China)
- Ningbo Inno Pharmchem Co., Ltd. (China)
- KH Neochem Co., Ltd. (Japan)
- Perstorp Holding AB (Sweden)
Recent Industry Developments :
Product Launch:
- In 2023, Oxea GmbHlaunched a bio-based Isononanoic Acid. The world's first commercially available version produced from bio-based and circular feedstocks.
Isononanoic Acid Market Report Insights :
| Report Attributes | Report Details |
| Study Timeline | 2019-2032 |
| Market Size in 2032 | USD 444.22 Million |
| CAGR (2025-2032) | 4.1% |
| By Purity Level |
|
| By Application |
|
| By Region |
|
| Key Players |
|
| North America | U.S. Canada Mexico |
| Europe | U.K. Germany France Spain Italy Russia Benelux Rest of Europe |
| APAC | China South Korea Japan India Australia ASEAN Rest of Asia-Pacific |
| Middle East and Africa | GCC Turkey South Africa Rest of MEA |
| LATAM | Brazil Argentina Chile Rest of LATAM |
| Report Coverage |
|
Key Questions Answered in the Report
How big is the Isononanoic Acid market? +
In 2024, the Isononanoic Acid market is USD 323.20 Million.
Which is the fastest-growing region in the Isononanoic Acid market? +
Europe is the fastest-growing region in the Isononanoic Acid market.
What specific segmentation details are covered in the Isononanoic Acid market? +
Purity Level and Application segmentation details are covered in the Isononanoic Acid market.
Who are the major players in the Isononanoic Acid market? +
BASF SE (Germany), Oxea GmbH (Japan), Hairui Chemical (China), Ningbo Inno Pharmchem Co., Ltd. (China), KH Neochem Co., Ltd. (Japan), and Perstorp Holding AB (Sweden) are some major players in the market.
