BASF and Toyo Engineering Corporation (TOYO), Chiba/Japan, have entered into a cooperation to market and sell a gas purification technology specifically designed to purify synthesis gas streams for Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power plants and chemical products such as Methanol. The technology, which will be marketed under the brand name PuraTreat™ A, has excellent properties to selectively remove sulphur compounds such as hydrogen sulfide or carbonyl sulfide from synthesis gas streams based on coal. Compared to currently used processes the new PuraTreat™ A technology is far more energy efficient, more flexible and requires significantly less capital investment for grassroots plants. The cooperation intensifies the relationship between TOYO and BASF as both companies have already successfully worked together on numerous projects including acid gas sweetening using BASF's aMDEA™ technology.

[BASF has extensive experience in gas scrubbing]
BASF has extensive experience in removing CO2 from gas streams. The company markets its amine scrubbing technology under the brand name aMDEA™ for the removal of acid gases such as CO2. The BASF process has been known for a long time, it is used successfully in more than 220 plants worldwide to scrub natural and synthesis gases. "Due to the high oil and gas prices coal gasification has gained importance over the last few years. We see the cooperation as an opportunity to diversify into new segments," says Dr. Rupert Wagner, a gas scrubbing expert of BASF.

[BASF]
The operating division Intermediates of the BASF Group develops, produces and markets the world's largest range of intermediates. The most important of the division's more than 600 products include amines, diols, polyalcohols, acids and specialties. Among other applications, intermediates are used as starting materials for coatings, plastics, pharmaceuticals, textile fibers, detergents and crop protectants. Innovative BASF intermediates help to improve the properties of the final product and the efficiency of production processes. The ISO 9001:2000-certified operating division Intermediates has access to plants at production sites in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. In 2005, this BASF operating division with 2,665 employees generated world sales of above 2 billion euros. For more information, go to http://www.basf.de/intermediates.

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF's intelligent system solutions and high-value products help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. BASF has over 95,000 employees and posted sales of more than $42.7 billion (approximately $50.4 billion) in 2005. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at http://www.basf.com.

PuraTreat™ and aMDEA™ are registered trademarks of BASF.