Traditionally, cyclohexane was produced by fractional distillation of naphtha but the separation is difficult because of a large number of components with similar boiling points. The bulk of commercial production is based on the catalytic hydrogenation of benzene because of its simplicity and high efficiency. The reaction can be carried out using liquid or vapour-phase methods in the presence of a highly dispersed catalyst or in a catalytic fixed bed.
Processes differ mainly in the means of removing the heat of reaction. Minimum reactor temperatures are preferred for maximum benzene conversion and minimum cyclohexane cracking. Most cyclohexane plants use reformer offgas which yields benzene and large amounts of hydrogen byproduct. Hydrogen and benzene costs are critical for cyclohexane manufacturing economics with plants often located near large refineries where low cost raw materials are available.
A growing issue for cyclohexane producers is the future availability of low-cost hydrogen. Regulations in the US and Europe calling for a lower sulphur content in gasoline and diesel will increase demand for local hydrogen.
Cyclohexane
Price Reports
ICIS pricing gives you access on a weekly or real time basis to the latest price movements and critical market commentary on the Cyclohexane market. Click below to see a quarterly market overview.
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Cyclohexane
Uses and Outlook
Nearly all cyclohexane consumed in the production of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone, which are then used mainly to make adipic acid and caprolactam respectively. Adipic acid accounts for 60% of cyclohexane demand and is used to make nylon 6,6. Around 75% of global caprolactam is used in nylon 6 manufacture.
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