Name: Cyclohexanol
Synonyms: Hexahydro-phenol, Hexanol, Cyclohexyl alcohol
CAS Number: 108-93-0
Formula: C6H12O
Appearance: Colorless solid or viscous liquid, often with a camphor-like odor
Common Use: Solvents, intermediates in nylon production, plasticizers, and perfumes
GHS Classification: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled, causes skin and eye irritation, may cause drowsiness or dizziness
Main Physical Hazards: Flammable liquid and vapor
Potential Health Effects: Eyes and mucous membranes react quickly, skin absorbs it directly, inhalation irritates upper respiratory tract and can depress the central nervous system
Environmental Concerns: Harmful to aquatic life in significant quantities
Cyclohexanol: Over 99% of the substance
Impurities: Minimal, can include trace Cyclohexanone
Physical Texture: Sometimes waxy, depending on storage temperature due to its melting point near room temperature
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, loosen tight clothing, seek medical attention if breathing gets tough or dizziness sets in
Skin Contact: Rinse skin thoroughly with water, remove contaminated clothing, use soap when possible
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with plenty of clean water for several minutes, do not rub eyes, call a doctor if irritation persists
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, sip water if conscious, medical help is usually required quickly as stomach effects can be rapid
Extinguishing Media: Water spray (fog), dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Danger: Vapors can ignite, dense smoke may form, can produce toxic fumes like carbon monoxide
Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant suit, positive-pressure breathing equipment, avoid inhaling vapors
Firefighter Risks: Containers can rupture violently in a blaze, runoff can pollute water sources
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unprotected personnel, ventilate area, wear gloves and splash goggles
Spill Cleanup: Soak up with non-combustible absorbent like sand, place in a tight container for disposal
Environmental Caution: Prevent flow into drains or waterways, cyclohexanol doesn’t easily break down if it reaches ground water
Disposal: Follow hazardous waste rules, keep authorities notified if the spill gets out of hand
Handling: Use spark-proof tools, work in well-ventilated spaces, avoid breathing vapors, keep skin protected
Storage: Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place, shield from light and heat sources, keep away from oxidizers and acids
Working Practice: Always label containers clearly, avoid eating or drinking in work areas, make sure eyewash stations and showers are easy to reach
Limits: Occupational limits exist in some countries based on time-weighted averages
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust or fume hood at the source makes a big difference
Personal Protection: Safety goggles, gloves made of chemical-resistant material like nitrile, lab coats or aprons, respirators if ventilation is poor
Hygiene: Wash hands and face after handling, keep contaminated clothing separate from regular laundry
Boiling Point: Around 161°C
Melting Point: Closer to 24°C
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature, but vapors can still build up
Solubility: Limited in water, blends easily with common organic solvents
Odor: Camphor-like scent, easily noticeable
Density: Typically about 0.948 g/cm³ at 20°C
Chemical Stability: Remains fairly stable at room temperature if kept dry and sealed
Risky Situations: Mixing with oxidizers starts a reaction, exposure to heat over time can break the molecule down
Decomposition Products: Burns or breaks down to form carbon oxides and other small organic molecules
Routes of Entry: Through inhalation, skin, ingestion
Short-Term Effects: Headache, dizziness, nausea, irritation of skin, eyes, and throat
Chronic Exposure: Some animal studies show liver or kidney damage at high repeated doses
Thresholds: Human data limited, but repeated uncontrolled exposure clearly poses health risks
Absorption: Absorbs more easily through broken skin
Aquatic Toxicity: Even small spills threaten aquatic life, can linger for weeks if not contained
Degradation: Naturally present bacteria break it down slowly, persistence increases risk if released
Mobility: Moves through soil and water easily, needs to be managed right away
Waste Management: Mix with combustible waste only in compliance with hazardous waste law
Incineration: Appropriate for residues, only in licensed facilities
Down the Drain: Not suitable, risks contaminating sewage systems and waterways
Recycling: Possible only when absolutely pure, rarely done outside major plants
Transport Class: Regulated under flammable liquids for most carriers
Labels Required: Flammable liquid, harmful substance
Packaging: Steel or high-density plastic drums sealed tightly
Precautions: Keep away from open flames, check cargo for leaks, comply with all shipment rules especially for international freight
Global Listings: Controlled as a hazardous chemical in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia
Employee Right-To-Know: Law requires clear labeling in the workplace
Restriction: Manufacturing and use in consumer products may be limited in certain settings where exposure can’t be controlled
Reporting: Large-scale use or storage, spills over regulated quantity must be reported to environmental authorities