Cyclohexanone (CAS 108-94-1) is a cyclic ketone used mainly to produce caprolactam and adipic acid, the chemical intermediates needed to manufacture nylon 6 and nylon 6,6. It is also an industrial solvent used in selected PVC, resin, coating, ink, and adhesive formulations.
Its combination of chemical reactivity and solvent performance makes cyclohexanone useful in polymer manufacturing, both as a feedstock and as a processing solvent.
What Is Cyclohexanone?
Cyclohexanone is a six-membered cyclic ketone with the molecular formula C₆H₁₀O. It contains a carbonyl (C=O) group attached to a cyclohexane ring and is typically a colorless to pale-yellow liquid.
Industrial cyclohexanone is commonly produced through cyclohexane oxidation or processes involving phenol hydrogenation and cyclohexanol dehydrogenation.
Cyclohexanone Physical Properties
| Property | Reference Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | Cyclohexanone |
| CAS number | 108-94-1 |
| Molecular formula | C₆H₁₀O |
| Molecular weight | 98.14 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale-yellow liquid |
| Boiling point | 155.6°C (312.2°F) |
| Melting point | -31°C (-23.8°F) |
| Density | 0.948 g/cm³ (less dense than water) |
| Water solubility | Limited solubility in water, but highly miscible with common organic solvents like acetone, ether, and alcohol |
View Cyclohexanone (CAS 108-94-1) Product Details
Why Is Cyclohexanone Important in Polymer Manufacturing?
Cyclohexanone serves two different functions in polymer manufacturing: it is a chemical intermediate for nylon production and a solvent for selected polymer resins.
As a chemical intermediate, cyclohexanone is converted into other compounds before polymerization. As a solvent, it helps dissolve or process resins without becoming part of the polymer backbone.
Its relatively high boiling point and strong solvency are useful in coating and adhesive formulations where controlled evaporation is needed.
How Is Cyclohexanone Used in Nylon Production?
Nylon 6: Caprolactam Production
Cyclohexanone is a major starting material for caprolactam, the monomer used to manufacture nylon 6.
- The conventional production route involves three main stages:
- Cyclohexanone reacts to form cyclohexanone oxime.
- The oxime undergoes a Beckmann rearrangement to produce caprolactam.
- Caprolactam undergoes ring-opening polymerization to form nylon 6.
Nylon 6 is used in textile fibers, engineering plastics, industrial components, and packaging films.
Nylon 6,6: Adipic Acid Production
Cyclohexanone is also an intermediate in adipic acid production. Adipic acid reacts with hexamethylenediamine to produce nylon 6,6.
Unlike caprolactam, cyclohexanone is not directly polymerized into nylon. It must first be converted into the appropriate nylon precursor.
Nylon 6,6 is widely used in automotive components, electrical parts, fibers, and engineering plastics.
Cyclohexanone as a Solvent for Polymer Resins
Cyclohexanone is used in selected polymer formulations because its carbonyl group contributes to its ability to dissolve various resins.
| Polymer or Application | Role of Cyclohexanone |
|---|---|
| PVC and vinyl resins | Solvent for certain coatings, inks, and adhesives |
| Acrylic resins | Solvent in selected lacquer and coating formulations |
| Polyurethane coatings | Solvent or co-solvent in compatible formulations |
| Phenolic resins | Processing solvent for selected varnishes |
| Adhesives | Solvent for compatible resin systems |
| Printing inks | Helps control viscosity and drying behavior |
Solvent compatibility depends on the specific polymer grade, formulation, concentration, and processing temperature. Cyclohexanone should not be assumed to dissolve every acrylic, polyurethane, or epoxy resin.
Why Is Cyclohexanone Used in PVC Processing?
Cyclohexanone has useful solvency for many PVC and vinyl resin formulations. It is therefore used in certain PVC inks, coatings, and adhesive systems.
Its slower evaporation compared with acetone and MEK can provide additional working time during coating or printing.
However, drying conditions must be controlled to avoid excessive residual solvent.
Cyclohexanone vs. Other Polymer Solvents
Cyclohexanone generally evaporates more slowly than acetone and MEK, making it suitable for formulations requiring longer working or leveling time.
| Solvent | Boiling Point | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Cyclohexanone | Approx. 155.6°C | PVC, coatings, resin processing |
| Acetone | Approx. 56°C | Fast-drying coatings and cleaning |
| MEK | Approx. 80°C | Vinyl and acrylic coatings |
| Toluene | Approx. 111°C | Selected resins and adhesives |
| DMF | Approx. 153°C | Polyurethane and polymer processing |
Boiling point alone does not determine solvent performance. Resin compatibility, evaporation behavior, occupational exposure, and regulatory requirements must also be considered.
Safety and Handling
Cyclohexanone is a flammable liquid that can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.
It should be stored in suitable, tightly closed containers away from ignition sources and incompatible materials. Industrial handling requires adequate ventilation and appropriate protective equipment.
For transportation, cyclohexanone is commonly classified as UN 1915, Class 3, Packing Group III. Buyers should confirm the applicable transport requirements using the current SDS and shipping regulations.
How to Choose a Cyclohexanone Supplier
Industrial buyers should compare cyclohexanone suppliers based on product quality, technical documentation, packaging, and delivery requirements-not price alone.
Key purchasing parameters include purity, water content, color, acidity, and distillation range.
Request a recent COA, TDS, and SDS before ordering. For bulk shipments, confirm packaging options, order quantity, destination, and delivery terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cyclohexanone used for?
Cyclohexanone is mainly used to manufacture caprolactam and adipic acid for nylon production. It also serves as a solvent in selected coatings, inks, adhesives, and resin formulations.
Is cyclohexanone a polymer?
No. Cyclohexanone is a small-molecule cyclic ketone. It is used as a chemical intermediate and solvent in polymer manufacturing.
Can cyclohexanone dissolve PVC?
Yes. Cyclohexanone can dissolve many PVC formulations, although performance depends on the resin grade, additives, and processing conditions.
Is cyclohexanone used to make nylon 6 and nylon 6,6?
Yes. Cyclohexanone is converted into caprolactam for nylon 6 and contributes to adipic acid production for nylon 6,6.
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