Cytec Files Shelf Registration for Debt Securities

West Paterson, New Jersey - December 15, 2000 - Cytec Industries Inc. (NYSE:CYT) announced today that it has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a shelf registration statement covering $400,000,000 of debt securities which may be offered by the Company from time to time. Proceeds of any sale will be used for general corporate purposes which may include repayment of indebtedness and other liabilities, share repurchases, additions to working capital, capital expenditures and acquisitions. Cytec has no immediate plans to offer securities under the registration statement.

The registration statement has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This announcement shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities law of any such state.

Cytec Industries Inc. is a specialty chemicals and materials technology company with 1999 sales of $1.4 billion and diluted earnings per share of $2.73. Its growth strategies are based on developing technologically advanced customer solutions for global markets, including aerospace, plastics, industrial coatings, mining, and water treatment. Cytec is in the S&P mid-cap 400 index.