Cyclohexanone application

Cyclohexanone is a colourless liquid used as a solvent for cellulose lacquers. It is the organic compound with the formula (CH2)5CO. The molecule consists of six-carbon cyclic molecule with a ketone functional group. This colorless oil has an odor reminiscent of peardrop sweets as well as acetone. Over time, samples assume a yellow color due to oxidation. Cyclohexanone is slightly soluble in water, but miscible with common organic solvents.

Cyclohexanone(CAS.NO:108-94-1) is a synthetic organic liquid used primarily as an intermediate in the production of nylon. Other minor applications are as an intermediate, additive and solvent in a variety of products.

Cyclohexanone is used in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of adipic acid and caprolactam (ca. 95%), polyvinyl chloride and its copolymers, and methacrylate ester polymers. Additional uses include wood stains, paint and varnish removers, spot remover, degreasing of metals, polishes, levelling agents, dyeing and delustering silk, lubricating oil additives, solvent for herbicides, cellulosics, natural and synthetic resins, waxes, fats, etc.

The great majority of cyclohexanone is consumed in the production of precursors to Nylon 6,6 and Nylon 6. About half of the world's supply is converted to adipic acid, one of two precursors for nylon 6,6. For this application, the KA oil (see above) is oxidized with nitric acid. The other half of the cyclohexanone supply is converted to the oxime. In the presence of sulfuric acid catalyst, the oxime rearranges to caprolactam, a precursor to nylon 6:

When used in industrial coating processes, cyclohexanone is maintained within a closed vessel. Also used in such products as accelerators,developers, paints and lacquers, printing inks, laboratory chemicals, adhesives, regulators, cleaning agents and as diluents.

Intermediate for E. caprolactam Herbicides, insecticides, pharmaceuticals, polycondensates.Used as solvent for plant protection agents .Used as PVC dyes and varnish.

For Du Pont, cyclohexanone is produced and further processed in a closed system as an intermediate in the production of adipic acid.

For others (producers excluding Du Pont), sixty percent of imported quantities is used as a solvent in herbicides. Application rate is estimated to be 200 mL/hectare.However, cyclohexanone is being replaced by other solvents; therefore its use in this application is  expected to be reduced.The remainder is for undetermined uses.


Transport:The product is transported in road tank cars, containers and railway tank wagons. Cyclohexanone is a hazardous material.