Cyclohexanone
Cyclohexanone is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sharp, sweet, acetone-like odor. It is a cyclic ketone with the molecular formula C₆H₁₀O and a moderately high boiling point. Cyclohexanone is a key intermediate in the chemical industry, primarily used in the manufacture of nylon, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. Its excellent solvency and chemical reactivity make it valuable for a wide range of industrial applications, including solvent use and chemical synthesis.
Cyclohexanone Uses
Primary Uses
Chemical Intermediate
- Primarily used as a precursor in the production of adipic acid and caprolactam, which are essential monomers for nylon-6 and nylon-66 manufacture.
- Serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and plasticizers.
Solvent Applications
- Utilized as a solvent for resins, paints, coatings, adhesives, and inks due to its ability to dissolve a wide variety of organic compounds.
- Employed in cleaning and degreasing metal parts and surfaces in industrial settings.
Laboratory and Industrial Chemistry
- Used as a reagent and solvent in organic synthesis and chemical research.
- Acts as a medium for chemical reactions including condensations and reductions.
Secondary Uses
Flavor and Fragrance Industry
- Used as a minor component or intermediate in the synthesis of certain fragrances and flavor compounds.
Electronics Industry
- Utilized for cleaning circuit boards and electronic components due to its good solvency and volatility.
Polymer and Coatings Industry
- Used in the formulation of specialty coatings, lacquers, and polymer blends.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Cyclohexanone
- Common/Trade Name: Cyclohexanone
- CAS Number: 108-94-1
- HS Code: 2914.11.00
- Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₀O
- Synonyms:
- Oxocyclohexane
- Cyclohexyl ketone
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Liquid
- Color & Odor: Colorless to pale yellow; sharp, sweet, acetone-like odor
- Melting Point: -31°C
- Boiling Point: 155.6°C
- Density: 0.946 g/cm³ at 20°C
- Solubility:
- Slightly soluble in water (~23 g/L at 20°C)
- Miscible with most organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, acetone, and benzene
- Vapor Pressure: Approx. 8.5 mmHg at 20°C
- Flash Point: 41°C (closed cup)
- Stability: Stable under normal conditions but can form peroxides upon prolonged exposure to air and light
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Flammable liquid, irritant, harmful if swallowed or inhaled
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 2
- Flammability: 3
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL = 50 ppm (8-hour TWA)
- Toxicity: Can cause irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory system; central nervous system depressant at high exposure levels
- Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers; forms peroxides on prolonged air exposure
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources and strong oxidizers.
- Container Type: Metal or glass containers with vapor-tight seals.
- Shelf Life: Typically 1-2 years if stored properly.
- Special Handling: Use explosion-proof equipment; avoid open flames, sparks, or static discharge; handle in fume hoods or well-ventilated areas with PPE.
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: Not approved for direct food contact; regulated as a hazardous chemical.
- REACH Status: Registered and regulated under EU chemical safety laws.
- Transportation: Classified as a flammable liquid (Class 3) for transport; requires proper labeling and packaging.
- Waste Disposal: Dispose of according to local hazardous waste regulations; avoid environmental contamination.
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms; avoid discharge into water bodies.
- Persistence: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions but may persist in anaerobic environments.
- Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation.
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic; data on mutagenicity inconclusive.
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions.
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Safety Handling Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Safety goggles or face shield
- Protective clothing
- Respirator or mask in poorly ventilated areas
Handling Measures:
- Avoid inhalation of vapors and skin contact
- Use in well-ventilated areas or under fume hoods
- Ground and bond containers to prevent static discharge
Storage Measures:
- Store away from heat, sparks, open flames
- Keep containers sealed when not in use
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands and exposed skin after handling
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air immediately; provide oxygen if breathing is difficult; seek medical attention.
- Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation persists.
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek immediate medical attention.
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth with water; seek emergency medical care immediately.
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Highly flammable liquid and vapor; vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
- Extinguishing Media: Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or water spray.
- Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus.
- Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other toxic fumes may form upon combustion.
Related products
Benzyl Alcohol
Ethoxy Propanol
Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether
Hexane
Methanol
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
Primary Uses
- Coatings and Paints
- Solvent in lacquers, varnishes, and paints to improve application and drying.
- Enhances film formation and gloss.
- Adhesives and Sealants
- Used as a solvent in adhesives, particularly for bonding plastics and rubber.
- Printing Inks
- Serves as a solvent to improve ink flow and drying characteristics.
- Cleaning and Degreasing
- Effective solvent for cleaning metal surfaces and removing grease and oil.
Secondary Uses
- Chemical Intermediate
- Used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other chemicals.
- Laboratory Reagent
- Applied as a solvent in analytical and synthetic laboratory procedures.
- Plastics and Rubber Processing
- Utilized as a solvent in polymer coatings and rubber cements.