In the field of fine chemicals, Ube Industries is pursuing R & D by integrating our proficiency in organic synthesis technology with our existing chemical products.
 We are actively promoting product development of C1 chemicals using Ube Industries' original nitrite technology, which uses nitrite esters as oxidizing agents. DMC (dimethyl carbonate), a representative product, is used for batteries and also as the raw material for various fine chemical products, giving us a large number of derivative products.
 With C6 and C12 chemicals, we are focusing on promoting high value added derivatives, such as catechol and hydroquinone, hexane-1,6-diol, and dodecanedioic acid. Ube Industries has recently succeeded in developing a 'marine' fragrance known as 'Helio Fresh^®'. The breakthrough of producing this fragrance totally by chemical synthesis is a world first, and helps address the problem of deforestation as similar fragrances have been produced from plant roots.
 In addition, Ube Industries is also tirelessly upgrading and expanding fine chemicals in order to meet a wide range of needs swiftly; creating a variety of chemicals such as the new building block materials which are necessary for drug development.
 Examples of these, include the following:
   1) heterocyclic compounds such as quinazolone, pyrazole, and isooxazole;
   2) benzene derivatives such as catechol and hydroquinone,
   3) beta-ketoesters and beta-ketonitriles,
   4) tetrahydropyrans, and
   5) the optically active amino acids.
 In the area of catalyst R & D, we are now developing new catalysts which produces raw materials for polyimides and lactams.
 In addition, in our search for propylene polymerization promoters, we are developing BPIQ, which spreads the molecular weight distribution of the obtained polypropylenes, EPIQ^® and U-donors, which achieve a high melt fluidity.
 We expect these to be put to practical use for the manufacturing of polypropylene suitable to mold automobile parts.