Substance profile
Cyclohexane
Cyclohexane is a colorless mobile liquid with a solvent odor; pungent when impure.
01 · Identification
What Cyclohexane is
Cyclohexane is a colorless mobile liquid with a solvent odor; pungent when impure. Its molecular formula is C6H12 and its molecular weight is 84.16 g/mol. It boils at 80.7 °C, melts at 6.5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H304 | May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways. |
| H336 | May cause drowsiness or dizziness. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P264, P273, P280, P302, P313, P332, P352, P391, P403, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Cyclohexane properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 80.7 °C (177.3 °F) | at 760 mmHg | HSDB |
| 80.56 °C (177 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 80.72 °C (177.3 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 6.47 °C (43.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 6.67 °C (44 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 6.5 °C (43.7 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.78 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.7781 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.779 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible in ethanol, ether, acetone, benzene, ligroin, carbon tetrachloride | HSDB | |
| Solubility in water at 23.5 °C (w/w): 0.0052% | at 23.5 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 55 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 78 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 97.508 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 96.9 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | -17.22 °C (1 °F) | HSDB | |
| -17.78 °C (0 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -20 °C (-4 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 245 °C (473 °F) | HSDB | |
| 270 °C (518 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 260 °C (500 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.3 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 8 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 8.4 % by volume | HSDB | ||
| Vapor density | 2.98 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 2.9 (air = 1) | CAMEO | ||
| Odor threshold | The reported odor threshold is approximately 25 ppm. | HSDB | |
| Detection in air: 3.56x10-5 g/l | HSDB | ||
| Detection in air: 2.02x10-4 g/l | HSDB | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 280.3 °C (536.5 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Cyclohexane
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Store under inert gas.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Oxidizers.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Liquid nitrogen dioxide was fed into a nitration column containing hot CYCLOHEXANE, due to an error. An explosion resulted [MCA Case History 128(1962)] Incompatible with strong oxidizers.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Cyclohexane in the storage compatibility matrix →