ATOFINA Chemicals, Inc. Launches E-PURE MSA(R) Electrolyte Offering Higher Purity, Clarity and Lower Odor for Electronics Makers

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ATOFINA Chemicals Inc., a leading supplier of MSA to the electronics industry, has introduced E-PURE MSA® Electrolyte, a high purity methane sulfonic acid specifically targeted to address factors that affect performance in the plating market. ATOFINA Chemical's E-PURE MSA® Electrolyte offers reduced organic impurities, consistent product quality, and a significant reduction in color and odor. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010813/ATOFINALOGO ) "With more than 30 years of methane sulfonic acid production experience and supply, we understand the importance of consistency and the demands for continuous improvement in the electronics market," said Bob Seefeldt, worldwide market manager for the electronics sector in Thio and Fine Chemicals. "Drawing from this experience and working closely with the leading suppliers of plating technologies has enabled us to optimize our process, resulting in an enhanced product and improved quality," he added. New E-PURE MSA® Electrolyte requires no further purification. It is available through leading formulators who supply to the semiconductor, wire, connector, and printed circuit board industries. ATOFINA Chemical's E-PURE MSA® Electrolyte will improve the end user's production environment while maintaining the consistent performance of ATOFINA Chemical's traditional E- Grade MSA sold to this segment. ATOFINA is the only full line producer of sulfonyls with multiple production sites in Europe and U.S. to ensure reliable product supply and availability. The company has recently established distribution hubs in The Netherlands and Singapore. ATOFINA is also looking at options to strengthen its position in Asia. The company's expertise in thiochemistry includes methane sulfonic acid (MSA) as a 70% solution or anhydrous grade, methane sulfonyl chloride (MSC), methane sulfonamide (MSAM), and the ability to produce higher derivatives such as ethane, propane and butane sulfonic acids and chlorides. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, ATOFINA Chemicals, Inc. employs 3,000 people and produces high-performance chemicals and polymers. The Company reported sales in 2002 of $1.4 billion. ATOFINA Chemicals, Inc., is part of ATOFINA, the world's 6th largest chemical company with 71,500 employees and 2002 sales of $18.2 billion (EUR19.3 billion). ATOFINA is the chemicals branch of TOTAL (NYSE: TOT - News), the world's 4th largest oil and gas company, with 121,000 employees and 2002 sales of $97.6 billion (EUR103 billion).