Cyclohexane

1Identification

Name

Cyclohexane

IUPAC name

cyclohexane

CAS number

110-82-7

EC number

203-806-2

Molecular formula

C6H12

Molecular weight

84.16 g/mol

InChIKey

XDTMQSROBMDMFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C1CCCCC1

PubChem CID

8078

Synonyms

Hexamethylene, Hexahydrobenzene, Hexanaphthene, Cyclohexan, Cykloheksan, Benzene, hexahydro-, Cicloesano, Cyclohexaan, Benzenehexahydride, Benzene hexahydride, RefChem:6634, hexahydro-Benzene, cyclo-hexane, Acid red 300

Recommended uses

• Used in the production of nylon and as a paint and varnish remover; Also used as a solvent (lacquers, resins, and glues, e.g., in leather manufacturing) and intermediate for organic synthesis; [ACGIH]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint] Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other] Leather Tanning and Processing [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• For cyclohexane (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 025901) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Solvent Processing aids not otherwise specified Fuel Fuel agents Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Catalyst Drier Intermediate Laboratory chemicals
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Fuel agents Fuel Solvent Intermediate Laboratory chemicals Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Food Additives -> EXTRACTION_SOLVENT -> JECFA Functional Classes · Cosmetics -> Solvent

Description

• Cyclohexane appears as a clear colorless liquid with a petroleum-like odor. Used to make nylon, as a solvent, paint remover, and to make other chemicals. Flash point -4 °F. Density 6.5 lb / gal (less than water) and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Cyclohexane is an alicyclic hydrocarbon comprising a ring of six carbon atoms; the cyclic form of hexane, used as a raw material in the manufacture of nylon. It has a role as a non-polar solvent. It is a volatile organic compound and a cycloalkane.
  ChEBI
• cyclohexane has been reported in Manilkara zapota, Helichrysum odoratissimum, and other organisms with data available.
  LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS02, GHS07, GHS08, GHS09

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

6 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 1 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause significant irritation.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 3 - Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. Materials produce hazardous atmospheres with air under almost all ambient temperatures or, though unaffected by ambient temperatures, are readily ignited under almost all conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Dizziness, with nausea and vomiting. Concentrated vapor may cause unconsciousness and collapse. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• CAUTION: Petroleum crude oil (UN1267) may contain TOXIC hydrogen sulphide gas. · Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. · Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. · Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids will float on water. Substance may be transported hot.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. · Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. · Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. · Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.). · Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. · Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. · Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. · Containers may explode when heated. · Many liquids will float on water. · Substance may be transported hot.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Highly flammable. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Exposed animals develop narcosis and minimal histopathological liver changes. Some authors report an odor threshold of 25 ppm. [ACGIH] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations may cause CNS effects; [ICSC]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Water flush promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water promptly. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water promptly. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention. Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Nausea. Headache. Dizziness. Weakness. Drowsiness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Dry skin.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Use water spray to cool unopened containers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Foam, CO2, dry chemical, spray, fog.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Firefighting measures... Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture: carbon oxides.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Immediate precautionary measure · Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Large Spill · Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet). Fire · If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Remove all ignition sources. Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT wash away into sewer.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• 1. Remove all ignition sources. 2. Ventilate area of spill or leak. 3. For small quantities, absorb on paper towels. Evaporate in safe place (such as fume hood). Allow sufficient time for evap vapors to completely clear hood ductwork. Burn the paper in suitable location away from combustible materials. 3. Large quantities can be collected & atomized in suitable combustion chamber. Combustion may be improved by mixing with more flammable liquid. Cyclohexane liquid should not be allowed to enter confined space, such as sewer, because of possibility of an explosion.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Contain spillage, and then collect with an electrically protected vacuum cleaner or by wet-brushing and place in container for disposal according to local regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Fireproof. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from strong oxidants. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• 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.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Cyclohexane: Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. Remove: WHEN WET (FLAMMABLE) - Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100 °F). Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Respirator Recommendations: Up to 1300 ppm: [Table#164]
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• NIOSH/OSHA Up to 1300 ppm: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode (APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s) (APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s) (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister (APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece (APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

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.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Oxidizers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• When mixed hot with liquid dinitrogen tetraoxide an explosion can result.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Oxidizers
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Chemical stability

• Most solvents and reagents, as received from the manufacturer, had low levels of peroxides. After opening the container, peroxides were formed rapidly in many solvents.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Developmental
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
• Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is mildly irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis. Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dryness and cracking and dermatitis.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U056, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Cyclohexane may be disposed of: 1. By absorbing it in vermiculite, dry sand, earth or a similar material ... 2. By atomizing in a suitable combustion chamber. Combustion may be improved by mixing with a more flammable liquid.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 1145

Shipping name

• UN 1145; Cyclohexane
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 3; Cyclohexane
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Cyclohexane
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN1145
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Class 3 Flammable and combustible liquid (49 eCFR § 173.120)
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Flammable Liquid
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 1145 128
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Cyclohexane is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Residues of cyclohexane are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops only. Use: solvent, cosolvent.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Cyclohexane is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1000 lb or 454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Cyclohexane is included on this list. Effective date: 12/19/85; Sunset date: 12/19/95.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• U056; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when cyclohexane, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Cyclohexane may be used in inks for marking food supplements in tablet form, gum, and confectionery. Restrictions: no residue.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 8078 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.