Methylcyclohexane

Colorless liquid with a sweet aromatic odor

0.77 g · cm -3

-126.6 ° C

101 ° C.

4.8 kPa ( 20 ° C)

1.4231 (20 ° C)

Risk

200 ml · m-3

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Methylcyclohexane ( Hexahydrotoluol, cyclohexylmethane ) is a colorless, volatile fluid, which is one of the cycloalkanes. It occurs in the oil and is used as a solvent. An alcohol derivative of methylcyclohexane, 4- methylcyclohexyl methanol, was known in 2014 by the chemical accident at Elk River.

Properties

Methylcyclohexane smells like gasoline, the odor threshold is 2000-2570 mg · m- third In water it is insoluble; it floats on water. In alcohol and ether, however, it dissolves well. The dynamic viscosity is 0.67 mPa s, the liquid is so viscous than water, but a little thicker than, for example, toluene.

PREPARATION AND USE

Methylcyclohexane occurs in the oil. It can be prepared by dehydrocyclization of n-heptane. Prepared in this manner methylcyclohexane is usually further dehydrogenated to toluene.

Methylcyclohexane is used in a small amount as a solvent.

Safety

Methylcyclohexane is highly flammable; its flash point is at -6 ° C, the ignition temperature at 258 ° C. From an air volume fraction from 1.2 to 6.7 percent, it forms explosive mixtures.

When inhaled and swallowed it leads to dizziness and drowsiness, it reddens the eyes and can cause skin irritation.