What is cyclohexanone?

Cyclohexanone is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic, slightly sweet odor. It belongs to the group of ketones and is mainly used as an intermediate product in the chemical industry, particularly in the manufacture of nylon-6 and nylon-6,6. It also serves as a solvent for paints, resins, plastics, and waxes.

Production

Cyclohexanone is mainly produced industrially by the oxidation of cyclohexane with air in the presence of catalysts. Another process is the catalytic hydrogenation of phenol. In addition to cyclohexanone, both processes often also produce cyclohexanol, which is a by-product and is sometimes further processed.

Identification

Cyclohexanone is a clear, oily liquid with a slightly sweet, mild odor. It is moderately soluble in water, but highly soluble in organic solvents such as alcohol, ether, and acetone. Due to its chemical structure, it is reactive to strong oxidizing agents and may slowly discolor when exposed to light.

Limit values

The occupational exposure limit (OEL) for cyclohexanone in the EU is 10 ppm (40 mg/m³) as a time-weighted average over eight hours. Short-term exceedances should be avoided to prevent health problems.

Hazards

Cyclohexanone is irritating to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Inhalation of high concentrations can cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. Prolonged skin contact can lead to degreasing and irritation. Due to its flammability, there is a risk of fire and explosion if handled improperly. It is biodegradable in the environment, but can be harmful to aquatic organisms in high concentrations.