[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of methylcyclohexane, what is methylcyclohexane

Properties of methylcyclohexane

Methylcyclohexane (Methylcyclohexane,MCH) is a colorless transparent liquid with the chemical formula C7H14. It has high volatility and flammability, a density of about 0.77g/cm³, a boiling point of about 101°C, and a melting point of -126°C. Its flash point is -3°C, indicating that it is flammable at normal temperature. The molecular structure of methylcyclohexane is that a methyl group is attached to a cyclohexane skeleton, which makes it have high chemical stability and low polarity, resulting in good solubility in organic solvents, but very low solubility in water.

Methyl cyclohexane use

Methyl cyclohexane is widely used in industry, mainly including the following aspects:

1. Solvent: due to its low polarity and good solubility, methyl cyclohexane is often used in coatings, inks, adhesives and cleaning agents and other products as a solvent. It can effectively dissolve non-polar substances such as resin, wax and grease.

2. Chemical raw materials: Methylcyclohexane can be used as an intermediate for the synthesis of other compounds. For example, in the field of pesticides and pharmaceuticals, it is often used to produce pesticide intermediates and pharmaceutical intermediates.

3. Fuel additive: Methylcyclohexane has high energy density and good combustion performance, so it is used as a fuel additive to improve the combustion efficiency and performance of fuel.

4. Reagents: In the laboratory, methylcyclohexane is often used as a reagent and standard for gas chromatography analysis and organic synthesis experiments.

Methyl cyclohexane upstream feedstock

The production of methylcyclohexane mainly depends on the petrochemical industry, and its upstream raw materials mainly include:

1. Cyclohexane: Cyclohexane is the direct precursor of methylcyclohexane. Cyclohexane is produced by catalytic hydrogenation of cyclohexadiene or benzene.

2. Methanol: In some production processes, the methanol required for the methylation reaction can be produced from the partial oxidation of methane or from synthesis gas (CO and H₂).

Methylcyclohexane downstream products

As an intermediate or solvent, methylcyclohexane can be further derived from a variety of products:

1. Organic compounds: A variety of organic compounds, such as methyl cyclohexanol, methyl cyclohexene, etc., can be synthesized by the derivative reaction of methyl cyclohexane. These compounds have important uses in medicine and pesticides.

2. Polymer: Methylcyclohexane can be used as a solvent and reaction medium for certain polymer reactions, helping to control the rate and molecular weight distribution of the polymerization reaction.

3. Specialty fuels: In the field of aviation fuels and high-energy fuels, methylcyclohexane is used as a blending ingredient due to its high energy density to improve fuel performance and safety.

Methyl cyclohexane production process

The production of methylcyclohexane usually involves the following steps:

1. Raw material preparation: purification and pretreatment of raw materials such as cyclohexane and methanol to ensure the high efficiency and high selectivity of the reaction.

2. Catalytic hydrogenation reaction: under high temperature and high pressure, using a suitable catalyst, cyclohexane is methylated to generate methylcyclohexane. This process requires control of the reaction conditions to optimize yield and selectivity.

3. Separation and purification: The generated methylcyclohexane is separated from unreacted raw materials and by-products by distillation, washing and other separation means, and refined to achieve product specifications.

Methylcyclohexane storage methods

The storage of methylcyclohexane requires special attention to its flammable and explosive characteristics, and the following measures are usually required:

1. Storage containers: Corrosion-resistant, well-sealed containers, such as stainless steel or specially coated steel tanks, should be used to prevent leakage and contamination.

2. Environmental control: The storage environment should be kept well ventilated, away from fire and heat sources. It is recommended that the storage tank be placed in a cool and dry place with appropriate fire fighting equipment.

3. Fire and explosion-proof measures: due to the low flash point of methylcyclohexane, explosion-proof electrical equipment and electrostatic grounding device shall be provided in the storage area to prevent combustion and explosion caused by electrostatic sparks.

4. Safety identification and protection: the storage tank shall have a clear identification of dangerous goods, and the operator shall wear protective equipment to avoid skin contact and inhalation of volatile gas.

Safety and environmental protection

The use and handling of methylcyclohexane must follow strict safety and environmental regulations:

1. Health hazards: methyl cyclohexane has certain toxicity to human body, inhalation of its vapor can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and other symptoms. Long-term contact may cause skin dryness and degreasing, so operators should take personal protection to avoid direct contact.

2. Environmental measures: waste methylcyclohexane should be recycled and treated in accordance with hazardous waste treatment regulations to avoid direct discharge into the environment. For spills, spills should be quickly controlled and recovered to prevent the spread of contamination.

3. Emergency treatment: in the process of storage and use, emergency plans should be formulated, and employees should be trained to correctly handle emergencies such as leakage and fire to ensure safe production and environmental protection.

Conclusion

Methylcyclohexane is an important chemical raw material and industrial solvent, which has a wide range of uses and application prospects. Its production depends on the development of petrochemical industry, and the upstream and downstream industrial chain is relatively perfect. Due to its flammable, explosive and toxic characteristics, its storage and use must take strict safety protection measures and follow environmental protection requirements to ensure safety and sustainable development. By optimizing the production process and strengthening the safety management, the application value and market competitiveness of methylcyclohexane can be further improved.