Monographic: Cyclohexane
Cyclohexane is a highly flammable alicyclic hydrocarbon obtained from the catalytic hydrogenation of benzene.
It is presented as a colorless liquid, with high purity and similar solubility to paraffinics. Its formula is C6H12 and it's also called hexahydrobenzene and hexamethylene.
The main physical parameters of cyclohexane are:
- Boiling point: 80,7 ºC
- Melting point: 6,47 ºC
- Flash point: -18 ºC
- Relative density (water = 1): 0,8
- Relative vapor density (air = 1): 2,9
- Relative density of the vapor/air mixture at 20 ºC (air = 1): 1,2
- Ignition temperature: 260 ºC
- Explosive Limits (% by volume in air): 1,2 to 8,3
At the industry level, cyclohexane is used as a solvent and has different applications:
- It is used in synthesis of adipic acid, caprolactam and hexamethylenediamine to produce nylon and polyamide fibers.
- It is used as a solvent paint industry, coatings and plasticizers.
- It is used in the extraction of natural oils.
- It is used in the manufacture of other chemicals.
At the industry level, cyclohexane is used as a solvent and to produce nylon and polyamide fibers.
Cyclohexane is a highly flammable product that can cause irritation to the respiratory tract, skin and eyes. Therefore, given the danger of the product, it is imperative to proceed according following conditions in its handling and storage:
- To ensure a safety handling of cyclohexane it is essential to use full protective equipment providing protection breathing, skin and eyes with a team, appropriate gloves and glasses.
- To ensure a safety storage of cyclohexane it is important to keep the product in closed containers located in a cool, well-ventilated place. Furthermore, it is important to use hand tools that do not generate sparks (to avoid the generation of electrostatic charges).
Check here to view the safety data sheet.
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