Cyclohexane (C₆H₁₂)

Cyclohexane (C₆H₁₂)

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Cyclohexane (CAS 110-82-7) is a colorless, non-polar cycloalkane (C₆H₁₂) widely produced and traded as a petrochemical intermediate. It is principally manufactured by hydrogenation of benzene and serves as a primary feedstock to produce cyclohexanol / cyclohexanone (KA oil), which in turn are converted to adipic acid and caprolactam — the essential intermediates for nylon-6,6 and nylon-6 polymers. Because of its role in the nylon value chain, cyclohexane demand closely follows global polymer, textile and automotive markets.

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Key physical & chemical properties (practical highlights)

  • Formula / CAS: C₆H₁₂ / 110-82-7.
  • Appearance & odor: Colorless liquid with a mild, sweet gasoline-like odor.
  • Boiling point: ≈ 80.7 °C.
  • Melting point: ≈ 4–7 °C (commercial ranges reported).
  • Density: ≈ 0.77–0.78 g·cm⁻³ at 20–25 °C.
  • Solubility: Immiscible in water; soluble in organic solvents (ethers, alcohols, ketones).

These physical parameters determine storage temperature, vapor control and shipping classification for bulk transport (tank containers or chemical tankers).

Industrial production methods

On a commercial scale cyclohexane is predominantly produced by catalytic hydrogenation of benzene (liquid or vapor phase) using nickel or precious-metal catalysts. Process control (temperature, pressure, catalyst selection) is critical because benzene hydrogenation is highly exothermic and product selectivity affects downstream separation and yield. Some complexes integrate benzene hydrogenation with downstream KA-oil oxidation or hydrogenation units to optimize logistics and minimize intermediate storage.

Catalysts and process choices (Ni vs Pt, supported vs bulk metal) are selected to balance activity, life-time, and resistance to sulfur poisoning; modern units favor high-activity, long-life catalysts to maximize conversion and reduce hydrogen consumption.

Main downstream value chains & applications (why cyclohexane matters)

Cyclohexane is a platform intermediate feeding multiple high-value chemical chains:

  1. KA oil → Cyclohexanone & Cyclohexanol → Adipic acid → Nylon-6,6 (PA66)
  2. Cyclohexanone → Caprolactam → Nylon-6 (PA6)
  3. Solvent & specialty uses: limited use as a non-polar solvent, standard of reference in some analytical labs and niche chemical syntheses.

Because nylon fibers and engineering plastics are crucial in automotive, textile, industrial and consumer sectors, cyclohexane demand and price are driven by polymer production cycles, automotive output and textile market trends.

Commercial grades, packaging & logistics

  • Grades: Industrial (technical) grade for downstream oxidation/hydrogenation; higher-purity grades for specialty syntheses on request. Typical COA parameters include %cyclohexane, residual aromatics (benzene, toluene), water content and color.
  • Packaging & transport: ISO tank containers, chemical tankers (MR), road/rail tankers; drums/IBCs for small lots. Bulk maritime shipments require vapor-tight loading, correct UN classification and documentation.

For export buyers, insist on COA, SDS/MSDS, agreed sampling protocol and vapor-control measures during loading/unloading to protect product quality and ensure regulatory compliance.

Market size & recent trends

Market estimates vary by provider, but the cyclohexane market is large and growing owing to rising demand for nylon intermediates:

  • Grand View Research projects global cyclohexane market growth into the mid-2020s with market values around USD 32.3 billion by 2025 (reported forecast).
  • Other market houses (DataBridge) report comparable valuations (e.g., ~USD 33.4 billion in 2024 with multi-year growth projections). These differences reflect scope and methodology but consistently identify nylon intermediate demand (adipic acid & caprolactam) as the principal growth driver.

Regional demand is strongest in Asia-Pacific (China, India, SE Asia) where polymer production capacity is expanding; supply is linked to aromatics and refinery/cracker feedstock economics, so prices can be influenced by benzene availability and refinery run rates.

Quality control & specification (what buyers should require)

When procuring cyclohexane, include the following in your RFQ and contract:

  • Minimum cyclohexane % (wt%) and maximum limits for benzene, toluene and other aromatics.
  • Water content (Karl-Fischer) and color/refractive index acceptance criteria.
  • Peroxide / oxidation indicators (if product will be stored long-term).
  • Sampling & COA protocol per shipment (maritime tank sampling standard).
  • Packaging & transport conditions (ISO tank cleanliness, nitrogen blanketing if required, Incoterm).

Specifying these items in advance prevents quality disputes and simplifies customs and QC acceptance on arrival.

Safety, storage & regulatory considerations

  • Hazards: Cyclohexane is highly flammable; vapor forms explosive mixtures with air (explosive limits ~1.2–8.3% v/v). Handle in closed systems, bond/ground containers during transfer, and maintain appropriate fire-control measures.
  • Storage: Keep in cool, well-ventilated areas away from ignition sources; protect from direct sunlight and use appropriate secondary containment to avoid environmental release.
  • Environmental: Prevent release to drains/soil; consult local regulations for VOC emissions and waste disposal. SDS/MSDS and local OELs should be followed for worker safety and exposure control.

Commercial / procurement tips

  • Timing & contracts: Because cyclohexane supply is linked to refinery/cracker operations, secure mid/long-term contracts during market tightness to lock volumes and pricing.
  • Logistics: For large volumes prefer ISO-tank or MR tanker shipments; confirm tanker cleanliness and prior cargo history to avoid cross-contamination (important if product is destined to produce polymer-grade intermediates).
  • Value chain matching: When buying for caprolactam or adipic acid production, specify downstream acceptance criteria so supplier can guarantee appropriate aromatics limits.

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