Ketones & Aldehydes
Cyclohexanone
CAS 108-94-1 — High-Solvency Ketone for Coatings & Nylon
Cyclohexanone is a high-solvency ketone used as a precursor to nylon and as a solvent for nitrocellulose, vinyl, and polyurethane coatings. Texas-Chem supplies industrial-grade cyclohexanone in bulk drums, totes, and tanker.
CAS Number
108-94-1
Boiling Point
155.6 °C
Flash Point
44 °C — Flammable
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes · Tanker
Structure
C₆H₁₀O — Cyclohexanone — CAS 108-94-1
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 2 — Moderate hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 3 — Serious hazard
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- Flash Point
- 44 °C (111 °F) — Flammable
- OSHA PEL
- 50 ppm TWA
- DOT Hazard Class
- 3 — Flammable Liquid — UN 1915
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Also Known As
Physical & Chemical Properties
| CAS Number | 108-94-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C₆H₁₀O |
| Molecular Weight | 98.14 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear colorless liquid |
| Boiling Point | 155.6 °C (312 °F) |
| Flash Point | 44 °C (111 °F) — Flammable |
| Density | 0.948 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 4.5 mmHg at 20 °C |
| Water Solubility | 8.6 g/100 mL at 20 °C |
| Viscosity | 2.2 cP at 20 °C |
| Kauri-Butanol Value | ~99 |
| Evaporation Rate | 0.3 (vs n-BuAc = 1.0) — Slow |
Industrial Applications
Nylon & Caprolactam Production
Cyclohexanone is the primary precursor to caprolactam, the monomer for Nylon-6. It is oxidized with nitric acid or hydroxylamine to form cyclohexanone oxime, which undergoes Beckmann rearrangement to caprolactam.
Industrial Coatings & Lacquers
Cyclohexanone is an excellent solvent for nitrocellulose, vinyl resins, and polyurethane coatings. Its high solvency and slow evaporation rate improve flow and leveling in industrial coatings and wood finishes.
Adhesives & Sealants
Used as a solvent in PVC cement, contact adhesives, and industrial sealants. Cyclohexanone dissolves PVC and other vinyl polymers effectively for bonding applications.
Pesticide Manufacturing
Used as a solvent and intermediate in the manufacture of agricultural pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.
Metal Cleaning & Degreasing
Cyclohexanone is used as a metal degreaser and cleaning solvent in industrial maintenance and manufacturing operations, particularly for removing heavy grease and polymer residues.
Pharmaceutical Synthesis
Used as a reaction solvent in pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis where a high-boiling, water-miscible ketone solvent is required.
Why Source Cyclohexanone from Texas-Chem
- Industrial-grade cyclohexanone in stock — drums, totes, and tanker
- Consistent quality with CoA on every lot
- Same-week delivery across Texas; nationwide LTL and bulk tanker
- Technical support for coatings, polymer, and industrial applications
- One rep from first call to final delivery
Cyclohexanone — Frequently Asked Questions
What is cyclohexanone used for in nylon production?▾
Cyclohexanone is oxidized to cyclohexanone oxime using hydroxylamine, which then undergoes Beckmann rearrangement to caprolactam — the monomer for Nylon-6. Cyclohexanone is also oxidized to adipic acid (via cyclohexanol/cyclohexanone mixture) for Nylon-6,6 production. Texas-Chem supplies cyclohexanone for polymer and chemical synthesis applications.
What is the difference between cyclohexanone and MEK as coatings solvents?▾
Cyclohexanone has a much higher boiling point (155.6 °C vs 79.6 °C for MEK) and slower evaporation rate, making it suitable for high-solids coatings and applications where slow evaporation is needed for flow and leveling. MEK evaporates faster and is preferred for quick-drying coatings. Cyclohexanone has higher solvency (KB ~99 vs ~93 for MEK) and is preferred for dissolving high-molecular-weight polymers.
Is cyclohexanone suitable for PVC cement formulation?▾
Yes. Cyclohexanone is one of the primary solvents in PVC cement (CPVC and PVC pipe cement) formulations. It dissolves PVC and CPVC effectively and provides the slow evaporation needed for proper bonding. Cyclohexanone is typically used in combination with THF and MEK in PVC cement formulations.
What are the storage requirements for cyclohexanone?▾
Cyclohexanone is a flammable liquid (flash point 44 °C) and must be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat sources and ignition sources. Store in tightly closed containers. Cyclohexanone can form peroxides on prolonged storage — check for peroxide formation before use in reactions. Shelf life is 2 years in sealed original containers.