Cosan in 3-Year Ethanol Supply Agreement with Mitsubishi

15 July 2009

Brazilian ethanol producer Cosan has signed a three-year contract with Mitsubishi to supply ethanol to Japan.

Up to 80 million liters (21 million gallons US) of ethanol per year will be exported to Japan, where it will be used in the production of ETBE.

ETBE (C₆H₁₄O) is an oxygenated gasoline biofuel component and ether, and is derived from ethanol (47% v/v) and isobutylene (53% v/v). Isobutylene sources include cracked stocks from refineries and steam crackers, or from chemical plants via dehydrogenation or dehydration processes.

ETBE’s properties of high octane, low boiling point and low vapor pressure make it a versatile gasoline blending component, allowing refiners to address both their octane and bio-component incorporation needs.