Cyclohexanone Handling & Lab Use Guidelines | Aladdin

Cyclohexanone is a widely used alicyclic ketone solvent prized in research and industry for its excellent solvating power, moderate volatility, and versatility as both a reaction intermediate and a process solvent.

CAS Number

108-94-1

Molecular Formula

C₆H₁₀O

Molecular Weight

98.14 g/mol

Boiling Point

155.6 °C at 760 mmHg

Flash Point

43 °C (closed cup)

Appearance

Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a peppermint-like odor

Purity (Aladdin SKU C1522434)

See product specification sheet for confirmed purity grade

Chemical Properties and Laboratory Applications

Cyclohexanone (CAS 108-94-1) is a six-membered alicyclic ketone with the molecular formula C₆H₁₀O and a molecular weight of 98.14 g/mol. It presents as a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a characteristic peppermint-like odor and is miscible with most common organic solvents while being sparingly soluble in water (approximately 8 g/100 mL at 20 °C).

In the research laboratory, cyclohexanone serves several important roles:

• Solvent: Cyclohexanone is an excellent solvent for cellulose ethers, vinyl resins, waxes, fats, and many polymers, making it useful in coating formulations, polymer processing studies, and analytical sample preparation.
• Synthetic intermediate: It is a key precursor in the production of caprolactam (nylon-6 monomer) and adipic acid, and is frequently used in organic synthesis for Baeyer–Villiger oxidations, aldol condensations, and reductive amination reactions.
• Extraction solvent: Its moderate polarity (log P ≈ 0.81) makes it suitable for liquid–liquid extraction in preparative workflows.

Researchers should consult the product specification sheet for Aladdin SKU C1522434 to confirm the exact purity grade, water content, and any trace-metal specifications relevant to sensitive applications.

Safety Hazards and Risk Assessment

Cyclohexanone is classified as a flammable liquid (GHS Category 3) with a closed-cup flash point of approximately 43 °C. It poses the following principal hazards that must be considered during laboratory risk assessment:

• Flammability: Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air (lower explosive limit ~1.1 vol%; upper explosive limit ~9.4 vol%). Keep away from open flames, sparks, and hot surfaces.
• Inhalation toxicity: Cyclohexanone vapor is an irritant to the upper respiratory tract. Prolonged or high-level exposure can cause headache, nausea, and central nervous system depression. The ACGIH TLV-TWA is cited as 20 ppm (skin notation); verify current values with your local regulatory authority.
• Skin and eye contact: Direct contact causes moderate skin irritation and may cause serious eye irritation. The compound can be absorbed through skin (skin notation applies).
• Chronic considerations: Animal studies have indicated potential reproductive and developmental toxicity at high doses; the relevance at occupational exposure levels requires further evaluation. Flag for review before use in reproductive toxicology studies.

Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for Aladdin SKU C1522434 before beginning work, as hazard classifications may be updated.

Personal Protective Equipment and Engineering Controls

Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and engineering controls are mandatory when working with cyclohexanone. The following represent minimum recommended precautions for routine laboratory use:

Engineering Controls

• Conduct all open-vessel operations involving cyclohexanone inside a certified chemical fume hood with adequate face velocity (typically ≥0.4 m/s).
• Ensure electrical equipment in storage and use areas is rated for use with flammable solvents (explosion-proof motors, intrinsically safe sensors).
• Install appropriate solvent-rated fire suppression systems and maintain clearly labeled chemical waste containers.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Eye/face protection: Chemical splash goggles meeting ANSI Z87.1 or equivalent standard; a face shield is recommended when handling large volumes.
• Skin protection: Nitrile gloves (minimum 0.15 mm thickness) offer reasonable short-term protection; for prolonged contact, thicker nitrile or neoprene gloves are preferred. Note that cyclohexanone permeates many common glove materials—consult glove manufacturer breakthrough-time data.
• Body protection: Laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes as a minimum; chemical-resistant apron when handling bulk quantities.
• Respiratory protection: When fume hood use is not feasible, use a NIOSH-approved half-face respirator fitted with organic vapor cartridges (OV/P100).

Storage, Stability, and Disposal

Storage conditions: Store cyclohexanone in tightly sealed, original containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated flammable-solvent storage cabinet away from heat sources, ignition sources, oxidizing agents, and strong bases. Recommended storage temperature is 15–25 °C. Containers should be grounded and bonded when transferring to minimize static discharge risk.

Stability: Cyclohexanone is stable under recommended storage conditions. It can be slowly oxidized on prolonged air exposure, generating peroxide byproducts. Containers should be dated upon opening; test for peroxide content periodically if stored for extended periods (>6 months after opening). Incompatible with strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong reducing agents.

Shelf life: Consult the certificate of analysis for the specific lot. Under proper conditions, unopened reagent-grade cyclohexanone typically retains specification purity for the period stated by the manufacturer.

Waste disposal: Cyclohexanone waste must be segregated in clearly labeled, solvent-waste containers compatible with ketone solvents. Do not pour down the drain. Disposal must comply with all applicable local, national, and institutional regulations governing halogen-free organic solvent waste. Engage a licensed hazardous-waste contractor for collection and incineration.

Quality Specifications and Ordering Information

Aladdin Scientific offers cyclohexanone under SKU C1522434. Researchers and procurement teams should note the following when selecting the appropriate grade:

• Purity grade: Confirm purity (GC assay), water content (Karl Fischer), and any critical trace-metal or peroxide specifications from the product page and certificate of analysis (CoA) for the specific lot.
• Application matching: For synthetic chemistry, a ≥99% GC purity grade is typically sufficient. For spectroscopic applications, request UV-grade or HPLC-grade equivalents with verified UV cutoff data. For polymer solubility studies, standard reagent grade is generally adequate.
• Packaging: Available in multiple package sizes to support both small-scale research and larger preparative or process-development workflows. Consult the Aladdin Scientific product page for current packaging options and pricing.
• Documentation: Each lot is accompanied by a CoA stating actual analytical results. SDS is available for download on the product page.

For technical questions regarding grade selection or application suitability, contact Aladdin Scientific technical support.

Frequently asked questions

What is cyclohexanone used for in the laboratory?

Cyclohexanone is used as a solvent for resins, polymers, and waxes; as a reaction intermediate in syntheses such as Baeyer–Villiger oxidations and aldol condensations; and as an extraction solvent due to its moderate polarity. It is also a key industrial precursor to caprolactam and adipic acid.

What gloves should I use when handling cyclohexanone?

Nitrile gloves (minimum 0.15 mm thickness) are generally recommended for short-term incidental contact. For prolonged exposure, thicker nitrile or neoprene gloves are preferred. Always verify breakthrough-time data specific to cyclohexanone from the glove manufacturer before use, as it can permeate many common glove materials.

Can cyclohexanone be stored at room temperature?

Yes, cyclohexanone can be stored at room temperature (15–25 °C) in a tightly sealed container inside a flammable-solvent storage cabinet, away from heat sources, ignition sources, and incompatible chemicals. Containers should be grounded during transfer, and opened containers should be dated and checked periodically for peroxide formation.

How should cyclohexanone waste be disposed of?

Cyclohexanone waste must be collected in clearly labeled, compatible solvent-waste containers and must not be poured down the drain. Disposal should comply with all applicable local, national, and institutional regulations for halogen-free organic solvent waste, and a licensed hazardous-waste contractor should be used for collection and incineration.

What purity grade of cyclohexanone should I order for spectroscopic applications?

For spectroscopic applications, a UV-grade or HPLC-grade cyclohexanone with a verified UV cutoff specification is recommended. Consult the certificate of analysis for Aladdin SKU C1522434 and contact Aladdin Scientific technical support if you need guidance on the most appropriate grade for your specific technique.

References

1. Cyclohexanone Safety Data Sheet. Aladdin Scientific, SKU C1522434. Retrieved from Aladdin Scientific product page.
2. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents & Biological Exposure Indices. Current edition.
3. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Cyclohexanone. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. CDC/NIOSH.
4. Clayden, J.; Greeves, N.; Warren, S. Organic Chemistry. 2nd ed. Oxford University Press, 2012.
5. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 7967, Cyclohexanone. National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.