[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, hydrobenzene business

Hydrogenated benzene properties

Hydrobenzene, also known as cyclohexane, is a colorless, flammable liquid with low viscosity and high volatility. Its molecular formula is C6H12 and its molecular weight is 84.16. Hydrobenzene is liquid at room temperature and pressure, with a boiling point of about 80.7°C and a melting point of about 6.5°C. Because of its structural symmetry and non-polar, it is insoluble in water, but it can be miscible with most organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, benzene, etc. Cyclohexane has a low flash point and spontaneous ignition point, and special attention should be paid to fire and explosion prevention during storage and transportation.

Hydrogenated benzene uses

Hydrobenzene is an important intermediate in the chemical industry, widely used in the synthesis of nylon 6 and nylon 66 raw materials-adipic acid and caprolactam. Cyclohexane can be oxidized to produce cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone, which are key intermediates in the production of caprolactam. Cyclohexane is also used in solvents, cleaning agents, degreasing agents and other applications, especially in the rubber and coating industries. Its excellent solubility makes it ideal for the purification and separation of certain chemicals.

Hydrogenated benzene upstream and downstream raw materials

Upstream raw materials

The main upstream raw material of hydrobenzene is benzene, which produces cyclohexane by hydrogenation reaction. This process requires a catalyst (such as nickel or palladium) and is carried out under high temperature and pressure conditions. The production of hydrobenzene can also be obtained from petroleum cracking, and the cyclohexene produced in the petroleum cracking process can also be converted to cyclohexane by further hydrogenation. Some biomass materials can also be used as raw materials for cyclohexane production after synthesis and modification, but this kind of process is still in the research and development stage.

Downstream Products

The main downstream products of hydrobenzene include adipic acid, caprolactam, cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol, which are important chemical intermediates for the production of nylon, plastics, fibers and other polymer materials. Cyclohexane can also be used as a solvent in the field of coatings, inks and adhesives. In recent years, with the strengthening of environmental regulations, the application of cyclohexane cleaning agents and degreasing agents has gradually decreased, and more environmentally friendly alternatives have been sought.

Hydrogenated benzene storage method

Due to the flammability and volatility of hydrobenzene, the storage of cyclohexane requires special attention to fire and explosion prevention measures. Generally, cyclohexane is stored in a cool, well-ventilated place to avoid contact with oxidants, acids and other chemicals. Storage tanks shall be made of corrosion resistant materials such as stainless steel or galvanized steel and be equipped with explosion proof electrical equipment and fire extinguishing system. The inside of the storage tank needs to be kept dry to prevent moisture from entering and causing quality degradation and safety hazards.

Safety measures

When handling and using hydrobenzene, strictly abide by safety regulations and wear protective equipment (such as gloves, protective glasses, long-sleeved work clothes, etc.) to prevent skin contact and inhalation of steam. It should be operated in a well-ventilated environment, avoiding open flames and high temperature areas. Emergency treatment plan and equipment shall be prepared to deal with leakage and fire accidents in a timely manner. Enterprises also need to conduct regular safety training to improve employees' safety awareness and emergency response capabilities.

Environmental requirements

With the increasingly stringent environmental regulations, pollution control in the production and use of hydrobenzene is particularly important. In the production process, it is necessary to control the discharge of waste gas, waste water and solid waste, and adopt advanced environmental protection technology and equipment to ensure the discharge standard. The residual liquid and waste liquid in the use process should be properly treated and recycled to avoid pollution to the environment. Enterprises need to establish an environmental management system, conduct regular environmental monitoring and assessment, and continuously improve environmental protection measures.

Market Prospects

The demand of the hydrobenzene market is mainly driven by the nylon industry and solvent applications. With the development of the global economy and the improvement of people's living standards, the demand for nylon and its products will continue to grow, promoting the development of the cyclohexane market. The market is also facing challenges, such as fluctuations in raw material prices and increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Therefore, enterprises need to improve production efficiency, reduce costs, and develop more environmentally friendly production processes in order to occupy a place in the fierce market competition.

Conclusion

Hydrobenzene, as an important chemical intermediate and solvent, has broad application prospects. In the process of production and use, it is necessary to pay attention to safety and environmental protection, and enterprises need to continuously improve their technical level and management ability to meet market demand and meet various challenges. In the future, the application potential of hydrobenzene in the field of new materials and new processes is huge, which is expected to bring new development opportunities for the chemical industry.