Product

Cyclohexane is a Cycloalkane with the molecular formula C₆H₁₂. Cyclohexane is present naturally in straight-run naphtha fractions from crude oil distillation and is a primary component of naphthenic crude oils. Cyclohexane is a non-polar, colourless, flammable liquid with a distinctive detergent-like odor, reminiscent of cleaning products (in which it is sometimes used).

Industrial Uses

Over 90% of global cyclohexane volume is consumed as a chemical intermediate for nylon production, with solvent applications as a secondary use:

• Adipic acid (for Nylon 6,6): via liquid-phase oxidation of cyclohexanol/cyclohexanone
• Caprolactam (for Nylon 6): >70% of world caprolactam is made from cyclohexane via cyclohexanone
• Solvent: paints, varnishes, adhesives, rubber processing, polymer coatings, essential oil extraction
• Laboratory reagent: non-polar solvent for chromatography, spectroscopy and organic synthesis
• Miscellaneous: insecticides, plasticizers, fuel additive (~7%)

Production

Cyclohexane is predominantly produced by catalytic hydrogenation of benzene (benzene + 3 H₂ → cyclohexane); secondary routes include fractionation of naphtha cuts and hydrodealkylation of toluene.

Market

The global cyclohexane market reached approximately 9.6 million tonnes in 2024 and is forecast to approach 10 million tonnes by 2035, at a modest CAGR of ~0.8% by volume. Asia-Pacific (led by China) is the dominant consuming region, driven by strong caprolactam demand for the nylon-6 industry.