One issue with chemistry is that a single letter placed wrongly could induce confusion and even cause accidents in the laboratory or the factory due to wrong identification. A good example is cyclohexene and cyclohexane. You probably have never heard of both. If you have heard of any of them, it’s probably cyclohexane.
Cyclohexene, on the other hand, is scarce due to its specific use and the number of safety precautions it entails. It is one reason why there aren’t many cyclohexene manufacturers out there. If you somehow manage to get a factsheet on cyclohexene, the instructions are probably as long as your arm. Also, it is a hazardous chemical and one you shouldn’t stay around long. This article will inform you about what to do should you ever find yourself around cyclohexene.
But first, let’s mention a few things about cyclohexene.
What’s Cyclohexene?
Cyclohexene is a hydrocarbon compound with the chemical formula C6H10. Not many people understand this. If you are one of them, here’s an explanation. Hydrocarbons are compounds containing just two elements; carbon and hydrogen. The C in the formula stands for carbon, while the H stands for hydrogen.
Cyclohexene and cyclohexane are very similar organic compounds, although cyclohexene is a derivative of cyclohexane. This is because they contain the same number of carbon and hydrogen atoms. The only difference between them is the existence of a double bond between two carbon atoms in cyclohexene, hence its alkene naming.
You might find cyclohexene indicated as cyclohexene CAS 110–83–8. This shows its ingredients.
Characteristics and Production
Cyclohexene is a colorless liquid with a sweet, sharp smell. It is an intermediate in several industrial processes, especially in the chemical sector. It is known to be very unstable when stored for the long term. This is because it forms peroxides when exposed to air and light, which causes explosions.
Cyclohexene is produced industrially by partially hydrogenating benzene, a process established by the Asahi Chemical Company. To produce cyclohexene in the laboratory, you will have to dehydrate cyclohexanol.
Safety Precautions
Below are some safety precautions for cyclohexene:
- Ensure your skin does not come in contact with cyclohexene. Wear protective clothing and equipment made from material that is impervious to the compound. Manufacturers are expected to provide all of these to maintain highly safe environments.
- All protective clothing should be made available before every use, clean, and worn before any logistics and carrying of the compound.
- For the eyes, ensure you wear splash and impact-resistant goggles when working with or around the compound.
- Do not eat, smoke, or drink in areas where this compound is handled, stored or processed.
- If the skin comes in contact with cyclohexene, wash or shower immediately.
- Change the storage of cyclohexene from drums and other metal containers to containers kept in enclosed storage.
- Should any contamination occur, remove all contaminated clothing and get a shower IMMEDIATELY.
- Before entering any storage for cyclohexene, check for explosive materials and initiators.
Examples of protective clothing comprise suits, gloves, headgear, and footwear.
Conclusion
Metadynea is a cyclohexene supplier and manufacturer based in Austria. We manufacture and supply pure cyclohexene and also offer safety standards, unlike most cyclohexene suppliers and manufacturers. You can contact us here to get your cyclohexene.
