Cyclohexanone works as a colorless to pale-yellow liquid with a distinct, sweet, acetone-like smell. Recognized for its chemical formula C6H10O and a molecular weight of 98.15 g/mol, cyclohexanone belongs to the family of cyclic ketones and frequently appears in both industrial and laboratory settings. Chemical industries look to cyclohexanone for its versatility. This substance supports the manufacture of nylon 6 and nylon 66 by delivering raw material for adipic acid and caprolactam production. These end products show up in fibers, plastics, and other synthetic goods that hold everyday life together.
Cyclohexanone’s ring-shaped structure, based on a six-carbon cyclohexane ring with a single ketone group, sets it apart. It behaves as a liquid at room temperature, with a melting point around -31°C and a boiling point that reaches 155.6°C. Its density stands at about 0.9478 g/cm3 when measured at 20°C. The material dissolves well in organic solvents such as alcohol, ether, and benzene, but only mixes sparingly with water. This property connects back to its partially polar structure. Its moderate vapor pressure (5 mmHg at 25°C) points to a need for responsible ventilation at the industrial scale. As a liquid, cyclohexanone moves equally well through pipelines or is stored in steel tanks fitted for hazardous materials.
Suppliers provide cyclohexanone mainly as a liquid, shipped in steel drums or bulk tankers. Laboratory samples arrive in smaller bottles. Though it crystallizes below zero, creating a white solid or flaky crystal, people handle it as a liquid almost exclusively in commercial applications. Manufacturers rarely market cyclohexanone as flakes, powder, pearls, or pellets. Still, in the colder months or under improper storage, the compound may solidify. End-users facing this rare scenario have to warm the substance gradually to revert to a pourable state. Whether labeled as an industrial raw material, technical grade, or high purity specification, every sample demands attention for safe, leak-proof storage.
The chemical purity sits commonly at 99% or higher, targeting strict downstream requirements. Trace water, acid, or other impurities can compromise polymer manufacturing, so buyers scrutinize certificates of analysis carefully. The Harmonized System (HS) Code for cyclohexanone is 29142200, facilitating customs and logistics for worldwide trade. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provide key specifics such as flash point (44°C), auto-ignition temperature (420°C), and classified hazards. These include Harmful if inhaled, skin, or eye exposure, and risk of forming explosive mixtures with air under certain conditions. Emergency responders use UN Number 1915 and relevant hazard pictograms for international shipping and site management.
Cyclohexanone requires careful management. Its volatility and mild odor may trick users into downplaying risk, yet vapor exposure causes headaches, nausea, or irritation. Workers need chemical goggles, gloves, and well-ventilated environments. Absorbed through the skin or inhaled, cyclohexanone enters the bloodstream and potentially harms internal organs with long-term exposure. Fire departments consider its low flash point a significant risk. Proper labeling, air monitoring, and routine training minimize incidents. Clean-up staff lean on spill kits and absorbent pads, placing speed and containment at a premium after accidental releases. As a flammable solvent, cyclohexanone cannot mix with open flames or heat sources, making static discharge controls essential inside storage zones. Local regulations may require secondary containment and leak-proof drum designs, and workers regularly test tanks for corrosion or structural weakness.
Organizations relying on cyclohexanone see it as a raw material that sits between crude oil and the nylon industry. As demand for synthetic fibers rises, the pressure for responsible sourcing, efficient conversion, and minimal waste grows. Waste streams must be managed to prevent uncontrolled emissions, a lesson driven home by longstanding evidence linking volatile organic compound (VOC) leaks to air pollution and worker health complaints. Cyclohexanone sometimes slips into consumer goods through adulterated cleaning agents or paint removers, creating calls for retail vigilance and product recall programs. Product purity stands as a key industry goal, both for quality assurance and to limit downstream health risk. In my experience with chemical supply chains, the need for traceability and third-party lab verification grows in step with global sourcing. Staying ahead of regulation and industry standards means investing in transparent supply networks and thorough documentation for each batch.
Improving workplace controls over cyclohexanone begins with robust engineering strategies—local extraction, vapor sensors, and locked chemical cabinets for storage work better than relying on personal discipline alone. Training remains effective when refreshed every six months and when delivered in clear language by experienced safety professionals. Process automation helps reduce direct human contact, cutting down on accidental exposure and spillage. At the port and distribution stages, secure shipping manifests and real-time tracking improve emergency planning for everyone downstream. Environmental stewardship grows from regular site audits and solvent recovery systems that recycle cyclohexanone residues, reducing both cost and impact. Manufacturers who publish their environmental and safety data strengthen their reputation and win trust not simply for compliance, but for real-world safety performance. The industry’s future depends on firms willing to prioritize transparency, technological upgrades, and a culture of vigilance that keeps both workers and communities safe from harm.
