[Chemical Knowledge]：Cyclohexane properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, introduction of cyclohexane

Cyclohexane properties

Cyclohexane (C6H12) is a colorless and transparent liquid with a typical hydrocarbon odor. Its molecular structure is a six-membered cyclic saturated hydrocarbon with a smaller density than water (relative density of 0.779g/cm³). It is insoluble in water at room temperature, but it is miscible with many organic solvents. Cyclohexane has a boiling point of 80.7°C, a melting point of 6.47°C, a high vapor pressure, and is flammable and volatile, with a flash point of -20°C. Its chemical properties are relatively stable, but ring cracking may occur under strong acid, strong alkali or high temperature conditions.

Cyclohexane Uses

Cyclohexane has a wide range of uses in the chemical industry, mainly as an organic solvent and intermediate. As a solvent, cyclohexane is commonly used for dissolving and diluting paints, coatings, resins, rubbers, greases, etc. Due to its volatility and solubility properties, cyclohexane is an ideal cleaning and extraction agent in laboratory and industrial production. Cyclohexane is an important intermediate in the synthesis of nylon. Cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone can be produced by the oxidation of cyclohexane, which are further converted to adipic acid and hexamethylene diamine for the production of nylon -6,6.

Cyclohexane upstream and downstream raw materials

The production of cyclohexane mainly depends on the raw materials in the petrochemical process. Upstream raw materials are reformed gasoline and naphtha in petroleum, which are hydrogenated and cyclized to produce cyclohexane. In particular, the production of cyclohexane is usually achieved by the catalytic hydrogenation of cyclohexane or the hydrogenation-reduction reaction of benzene. Benzene is hydrogenated at high temperature and high pressure with the aid of a catalyst such as nickel or platinum to generate cyclohexane. The downstream products of cyclohexane mainly include cyclohexanone, cyclohexanol, adipic acid, hexamethylene diamine, etc., which are further used in the production of nylon, plasticizers, coatings, adhesives, etc.

Cyclohexane storage method

Due to the flammability and volatility of cyclohexane, its storage methods must follow strict safety regulations. Cyclohexane should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from fire, heat and oxidant and other hazardous chemicals. Storage containers shall be closed special containers, usually in steel or aluminum drums, to prevent leakage and contamination. During transportation, collision and severe vibration should be avoided, handling should be handled gently during loading and unloading, and necessary anti-static measures should be taken. The cyclohexane storage area should be equipped with corresponding fire fighting equipment, such as foam fire extinguishers, dry powder fire extinguishers, etc. to deal with possible fire risks.

Cyclohexane safety and environmental impact

Cyclohexane is a low-toxic chemical, but its vapor has a certain anesthetic effect on the human body. Long-term exposure may cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and other symptoms. Cyclohexane has a stimulating effect on the skin and eyes, so the corresponding protective equipment should be worn during operation, such as gloves, goggles and protective clothing. For the environment, cyclohexane is a volatile organic compound (VOC), which will produce certain pollution to the atmospheric environment, which may lead to the formation of photochemical smog. Therefore, effective waste gas treatment measures should be taken in the production and use of cyclohexane to reduce its impact on the environment.

Cyclohexane Market Supply and Demand Analysis

The global cyclohexane market is mainly driven by the demand from the downstream nylon industry. With the development of textile, automobile, electronics and other industries, the demand for nylon is increasing, which drives the market demand for cyclohexane. In recent years, the rapid industrialization and urbanization of emerging markets such as China and India have also brought new growth points for the cyclohexane market. On the supply side, the production capacity of cyclohexane is mainly concentrated in North America, Europe and Asia, especially China and India have gradually become important production bases. Market supply is also affected by factors such as crude oil price fluctuations and stricter environmental protection policies.

Cyclohexane Future Trends

In the future, with the improvement of environmental protection requirements and the progress of production technology, the production and application of cyclohexane will pay more attention to greening and sustainability. The development of new catalysts and process optimization are expected to improve production efficiency and reduce energy consumption and emissions. Cyclohexane is an important chemical raw material, and the application field of its derivative products is also expanding. For example, cyclohexane and its derivatives are likely to play a greater role in new energy materials, bio-based materials and other emerging fields. The cyclohexane market has broad prospects, but it also faces many challenges in technology, market and policy.