ExxonMobil Boosts Production of Ultra-Pure Isopropanol to Meet Semiconductor Demand

ExxonMobil is set to increase its production of isopropanol (IPA), targeting a purity level of 99.999% to cater to the growing needs of the semiconductor industry. Upgrades at the company’s Baton Rouge facility will enable the production of this high-purity isopropanol to satisfy rising demand through 2027.

In a statement, the company remarked, “Our experience and expertise at the Baton Rouge manufacturing complex allow us to provide an end-to-end American supply chain of isopropanol for U.S. chip manufacturers.”

As semiconductor sizes and complexities continue to evolve, next-generation chips require isopropanol with a purity of 99.999%. This high level of purity is essential to prevent damage to the precise circuits of chips, especially those as small as 2 nanometers.

Isopropanol is used in semiconductor manufacturing to dry wafer surfaces and remove impurities, making ultra-pure isopropanol a critical component in chip production.

According to Reuters, the company plans to invest $100 million in the expansion of this facility.

ExxonMobil has been producing isopropanol since 1920 and has consistently improved its production techniques. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company became the largest producer of isopropanol for hand sanitizers in the United States.