EXHIBIT 23.1

                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

      We consent to the inclusion in this registration statement on Form S-1 of
our reports dated August 16, 1996, on our audits of the financial statements of
TPC Finance Corp. and Texas Olefins Company, subsidiaries and affiliate, which
includes explanatory paragraphs relating to the acquisition of Texas Olefins
Company and changes in accounting principles. We also consent to the reference
to our firm under the caption "Experts."

                            COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

Houston, Texas
May 9, 1997