Chemical Name: Cyclohexanethiol Synonyms: Cyclohexyl mercaptan, Hexahydrothiophenol Molecular Formula: C6H11SH Molecular Weight: Around 116.2 g/mol Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid with a strong and unpleasant odor Odor: Strong, sulphur-like smell, which most people notice even at low concentrations Uses: Chemical synthesis, organic chemistry research, flavor and fragrance manufacturing, and sometimes as an intermediate in pharmaceutical production
Hazard Classification: Flammable liquid, acute toxicant, skin and eye irritant Signal Word: Danger Hazard Symbols: Flame, exclamation mark, skull and crossbones Main Risks: Flammable vapors can form explosive mixtures with air, inhalation or direct contact may result in dizziness, headaches, skin burns, eye damage, and respiratory distress; exposure can be dangerous in enclosed spaces, given the high volatility Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure may result in central nervous system depression, dermatitis, or liver and kidney damage
Main Ingredient: Cyclohexanethiol (concentration: typically >98%) Impurities: Trace cyclohexanethiol-related compounds or solvent residues, which do not typically alter the main risk profile No significant additives are usually present in laboratory or industrial-grade material
If Inhaled: Immediately move the person to fresh air; monitor breathing. If symptoms such as cough, dizziness, or difficulty breathing occur, seek medical help right away Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash the affected area with soap and plenty of water for at least fifteen minutes. Do not attempt to neutralize with other chemicals Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if possible and continue rinsing If Swallowed: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth with water if the person is conscious and get emergency medical attention Notes for Responders: Make sure to avoid exposure by using gloves and suitable masks when assisting affected people
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use CO2, dry chemical powder, or alcohol-resistant foam. Avoid water jets as they might spread the fire Fire Hazards: Vapors can travel along surfaces to distant ignition sources, catching fire explosively; heat may rupture containers, causing additional hazards Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters need full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus, as burning cyclohexanethiol gives off toxic gases such as SOx and carbon oxides Other Tips: Remove containers from the path of fire if safe to do so; cool exposed containers with spray water
Personal Precautions: Evacuate people from the area; ensure adequate ventilation and use of respiratory protection Spill Cleanup: Absorb spills with inert material like sand or vermiculite, then carefully collect in a waste container for disposal Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, surface water, or soil—avoid washing into sewage systems Decontamination: Wash area with large amounts of water and mild detergent after major cleanup using designated safety tools
Safe Handling: Store and use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid breathing vapors and ingesting the substance, always handle with chemical-resistant gloves and safety goggles Storage Conditions: Keep containers tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, away from sources of ignition and strong oxidizers Safety Practices: Use spark-proof tools, ground and bond containers during transfer; avoid static discharge and open flames Other Points: Never eat, drink, or smoke while handling; maintain easy access to eye wash stations and emergency showers
Exposure Limits: No established OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV, but exposures should be minimized as much as practical Engineering Controls: Use fume hoods or local exhaust ventilation for laboratory work and closed handling systems in industrial settings Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety goggles, gloves (nitrile or neoprene recommended), long sleeves, and, for large-scale operations, chemical-resistant suits and respirators Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or leaving work; replace and clean PPE regularly to avoid contamination
Physical State: Liquid Color: Colorless to pale yellow Melting Point: Typically below room temperature Boiling Point: About 160–165 °C Vapor Pressure: Moderate at room temperature, highlighting the need for good ventilation Solubility: Limited solubility in water, better solubility in most organic solvents Density: About 0.97 g/cm³ Odor Threshold: Noticeable at very low concentrations
Chemical Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions when properly stored Incompatible Materials: Avoid contact with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases, which might trigger hazardous decomposition Hazardous Decomposition Products: Toxic fumes including sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide develop when heated strongly or during combustion Other Reactivity Risks: May form explosive mixtures with air above the flash point; avoid static discharge
Main Exposure Paths: Inhalation, skin or eye contact, accidental ingestion Short-Term Effects: Swallowing, breathing in, or skin absorption can cause nausea, headache, breathing problems, and pain; eye exposure leads to redness and tearing Long-Term Effects: Repeated exposure can worsen respiratory conditions, damage nerves, harm skin or liver Carcinogenicity: No definitive studies point to cyclohexanethiol as a carcinogen, but the lack of data calls for caution Sensitization: Rare reports of allergic skin reactions
Acute Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms, particularly fish and invertebrates, in low concentrations Persistence: May not rapidly degrade in the environment, so chronic aquatic exposure could harm ecosystems Bioaccumulation: Unlikely to build up significantly in living tissue, given its moderate solubility and reactivity Avoiding Release: Preventing spillage protects both water and soil from being contaminated
Waste Disposal: Treat as hazardous waste; incinerate or use permitted chemical waste treatment facilities Container Disposal: Empty containers should be triple-rinsed before recycling or disposal; avoid reusing them Environmental Precautions: Do not pour down drains or discard with regular household waste; always follow local and national regulations
Transport Risk: Flammable and toxic; shipping restrictions apply, and packages need clear hazard labeling Packaging: Leak-proof, shatter-resistant containers reduce risk during movement Accident Procedures: Leaks during transport must be reported; proper emergency equipment should always be available en route
Occupational Safety: Covered by workplace substance regulations in many countries; training required before handling Environmental Rules: Restrictions on release to surface water, with reporting requirements for large spills Regulatory Status: Covered by numerous regulations, such as chemical hazard communication laws, flammable liquid storage codes, and worker safety guidelines Labelling: Containers must show clear hazard signs, risk statements, and instructions for safe use