Cyclohexanol is a transparent light yellow chemical liquid, sometimes colorless, used as an organic solvent for various purposes. Some people say it has a mint and acetone flavor. Others believe that this smell is pleasant. Some people also say that this chemical has no odor.
This chemical substance naturally exists in crude oil, but it can also be artificially manufactured. It is a key component in the production of nylon. Exposure to cyclohexanol can bring many health risks.
Although a large amount of chemicals are produced and used every year, there is a chemical substitute that is harmless and made from sustainable products, with performance as good as or even better than cyclohexanol. The health risks of the replacement are basically non-existent.
What is cyclohexanol?
According to Webster's Dictionary, cyclohexanol is "a liquid ketone... especially used as a solvent and in organic synthesis." The dictionary adds that cyclohexanol is an oily substance. Sometimes it's white, sometimes it's yellow. It is a solvent used to manufacture nylon. It is also used to dilute resins and paints.
This chemical solvent is also known as phenylcyclohexanol, cyclohexanol, and phenylcyclohexenone. The first known chemical experiment that led to the discovery of cyclohexanol was in 1909.
Cyclohexanol is a chemical substance that can mix well with most other organic solvents. It exists in various consumer goods. Some products that can be found include:
Adhesives
Automotive
Cleaning and furniture care products
Electronics
Paints
Photo chemicals
Polyesters and synthetic resins
It can also be used as a solvent:
Cellulose acetate
Crude rubber
Degreasers
Lacquers
Paints
Polymers and copolymers
Resins
Spot removers
Waxes
This chemical substance is also present in the production of antihistamines and herbicides.
Which industries use cyclohexanol?
Many industries use cyclohexanol. Some examples include:
Nylon industry.
The nylon manufacturing industry is the main industry that uses cyclohexanol. Derivatives of the chemical are oxidized to adipic acid and caprolactam, which are precursors of nylon 6. About 70% of caprolactam in the world is produced through cyclohexanol.
Then, caprolactam is heated with water and transformed into nylon 6 through a complex chemical process. Nylon 6 is found in fishing lines, clothing, stockings, toothbrushes, hair brushes, underwear, windbreakers, plastic screws, etc.
The pharmaceutical industry.
cyclohexanol derivatives are used to synthesize drugs such as antihistamines.
Other uses.
These chemical derivatives are used as adhesives, automotive industry, cleaning and furniture care products, paint additives, dye synthesis, electronics, fuels, herbicides, laboratory chemicals, paints, pesticides, photochemicals, plasticizers, and rubber chemicals.
It is used as a solvent for crude rubber, cellulose acetate, degreaser, paint, polymer, copolymer, resin, stain remover, and wax.
Risks and hazards associated with the use of cyclohexanol
cyclohexanol is a hazardous product that poses health risks and environmental damage when used in the production process.
The reason for using cyclohexanol substitutes is to avoid the risks associated with exposure to cyclohexanol. If inhaled, this substance is harmful and may irritate and damage the respiratory tract, causing nausea, depression, and headache.
If cyclohexanol comes into contact with the eyes, nose, and skin, it can cause great irritation and damage to organs. It must be washed away immediately. Exposure to this substance can lead to drowsiness and loss of consciousness. It can cause damage to the liver and kidneys of mice, and research is currently underway to determine whether it can cause similar damage to humans.
When operating cyclohexanol, it is recommended to wear personal protective equipment to avoid damage to the respiratory system and irritation to eyes and skin.
It is highly flammable and must be stored in a cool, dry, well ventilated area without any ignition or sparks.
Replacing cyclohexanol and Vital with environmentally friendly ELSOL ® CXR
Weitai has developed an alternative product using environmentally friendly ELSOL ® CXR replaces the harmful substance cyclohexanol. This product has all the functions of cyclohexanol, but its formula reduces the impact on the environment and is non-toxic to users.
