Products Description
Methylcyclohexane is a colorless, highly flammable liquid with a mild, benzene-like odor. Its odor threshold is approximately 630 ppm, which is above the occupational exposure limit (OEL). It has a molecular weight of 98.21 g/mol, a specific gravity (H₂O = 1) of 0.77, a boiling point of 101°C, and a freezing/melting point of approximately −127°C. Its vapor pressure is 37 mmHg at 20°C. The flash point is −3.9°C (closed cup) and −5.9°C (open cup), while its autoignition temperature is 258°C. The explosive limits range from 1.2% (LEL) to 6.7% (UEL). According to the NFPA 704M hazard classification system, methylcyclohexane has a health hazard rating of 2, a flammability rating of 3, and a reactivity rating of 0. It is practically insoluble in water and is primarily characterized by its high volatility and significant flammability, requiring appropriate storage, handling, and fire-prevention measures.
Chemical Properties
Melting point | -126 °C (lit.) |
Boiling point | 101 °C (lit.) |
density | 0.77 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
vapor density | 3.4 (vs air) |
vapor pressure | 37 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
refractive index | n20/D 1.422(lit.) |
Fp | 25 °F |
storage temp. | Store below +30°C. |
solubility | Miscible with acetone, benzene, ether, carbon tetrachloride, ethanol, insoluble in water. |
form | Liquid |
color | Colorless |
Odor | Faint, petroleum-like |
explosive limit | 1.1-6.7%(V) |
Odor Threshold | 0.15ppm |
Water Solubility | 0.1 g/L (20 ºC) |
λmax | λ: 207 nm Amax: 1.00 |
Merck | 14,6047 |
BRN | 505972 |
Henry's Law Constant | 0.0678 at 25.0 °C (Ramachandran et al., 1996) |
Exposure limits | NIOSH REL: TWA 400 ppm (1,600 mg/m3), IDLH 1,200 ppm; OSHA PEL: TWA 500 ppm (2,000 mg/m3); ACGIH TLV: TWA 400 ppm (adopted). |
Dielectric constant | 2.1（25℃） |
Stability: | Stable. Very flammable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. |
LogP | 3.88 |
CAS DataBase Reference | 108-87-2(CAS DataBase Reference) |
NIST Chemistry Reference | Cyclohexane, methyl-(108-87-2) |
EPA Substance Registry System | Methylcyclohexane (108-87-2) |
Safety Information
Hazard Codes | F,Xn,N |
Risk Statements | 11-38-51/53-65-67 |
Safety Statements | 9-16-33-61-62 |
OEB | A |
OEL | TWA: 400 ppm (1600 mg/m3) |
RIDADR | UN 2296 3/PG 2 |
WGK Germany | 2 |
RTECS | GV6125000 |
F | 3-10 |
Autoignition Temperature | 545 °F |
TSCA | Yes |
HS Code | 2902 19 00 |
HazardClass | 3 |
PackingGroup | II |
Hazardous Substances Data | 108-87-2(Hazardous Substances Data) |
Toxicity | Acute oral LD50 for mice 2,250 mg/kg (quoted, RTECS, 1985). |
IDLA | 1,200 ppm [10% LEL] |
Product Applications
Coating Solvent: Owing to its good solvency and moderate evaporation rate, methylcyclohexane can effectively dissolve various resins, including alkyd and acrylic resins. It helps improve the leveling properties, surface smoothness, and gloss of coatings. Therefore, it is widely used in paint and coating manufacturing, contributing to better application performance and controlled drying characteristics.
Ink Solvent: In the printing ink industry, methylcyclohexane can serve as a solvent to facilitate the dissolution and dispersion of resins and pigments. It helps maintain good ink fluidity and transfer properties, supporting consistent printing performance and quality. It can be used in the formulation of various printing inks, including gravure and offset inks, depending on formulation requirements.
