Cyclohexanone is a cyclic ketone with the chemical formula C6H10O. It's a six-carbon ring molecule with a ketone functional group (=O) attached to one of the carbon atoms.
Here's a summary of its key aspects:
Properties:
- Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow, oily liquid. Over time, it can develop a pale yellow tint.
- Odor: Has a distinctive odor that is often described as acetone-like or mint-like, and sometimes even pleasant.
- Molecular Weight: 98.14 g/mol.
- Boiling Point: Approximately 155-156 °C (311-313 °F).
- Melting Point: Approximately -47 to -26 °C (-53 to -15 °F).
- Density: Around 0.947 g/mL at 25 °C. It is less dense than water.
- Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (around 150 g/L at 10 °C, decreasing with temperature) but miscible with most common organic solvents like ethanol, ether, acetone, and benzene.
- Vapor Pressure: 3.4 mmHg at 20 °C. Its vapors are heavier than air.
- Flash Point: 44 °C (111 °F) (closed cup). This indicates it is a flammable liquid.
Uses:
Cyclohexanone is a very important industrial chemical, primarily as an intermediate in the production of nylon. Its main applications include:
- Production of Nylon: The vast majority (around 95%) of cyclohexanone produced is used to manufacture precursors for nylon 6 and nylon 6,6.
- It is oxidized to produce adipic acid, a key component in nylon 6,6.
- It is converted to cyclohexanone oxime, which then rearranges to caprolactam, the monomer for nylon 6.
- Solvent: Cyclohexanone is a good solvent for a wide range of substances, including:
- Resins (natural and synthetic)
- Lacquers (especially those containing nitrocellulose or vinyl chloride polymers)
- Paints and varnishes
- Cellulose acetate
- Crude rubber
- Waxes
- Fats and oils
- DDT and other insecticides
- Wood stains
- Paint and varnish removers
- Spot removers
- Chemical Intermediate: Besides nylon production, it's used in the synthesis of other organic compounds, including:
- Pharmaceuticals (e.g., antihistamines, analgesics)
- Dyes
- Herbicides
- Pesticides
- Plasticizers
- Rubber chemicals
- Other Applications:
- Additive in detergents.
- Degreasing agent for metals.
- Mold release agent for paints and varnishes.
- Leveling agent in dyeing and delustering silk.
- Lube oil additive, especially for aircraft piston-type engines.
- Monomer in the synthesis of cyclohexanone resins, polyvinyl chloride copolymers, and methacrylate ester polymers.
- Used in some adhesives and cleaning products
