What is a petrochemical?

A petrochemical is best defined as a product derived from petroleum. Petrochemicals are organic compounds produced through the refining of crude oil and natural gas, and they play a crucial role in the manufacturing of a wide array of materials, including plastics, fertilizers, and synthetic fibers. They originate from the processing of hydrocarbons, which are the primary components of crude oil and natural gas.

Understanding this definition helps clarify why the other options do not fit the question. Crude oil itself is a natural resource, not a refined product, which distinguishes it from petrochemicals. While fossil fuels encompass a broader category including coal, oil, and natural gas, petrochemicals specifically refer to products refined from crude oil and gas rather than a blend of these fuels. Finally, although petrochemicals are used in energy applications, they are not an energy source in the same context as oil or natural gas, but rather chemical products derived from the processing of those energy sources.