Cyclohexane Methodology
The major outlet for cyclohexane is in the production of intermediates such as adipic acid, caprolactam and hexamethylenediamine used in the manufacture of nylon. Adipic acid, used mainly to make nylon 6,6 fibre, accounts for about 60% of cyclohexane consumption. More than 70% of the world’s caprolactam, the monomer for nylon 6, is made from cyclohexane via the intermediate cyclohexanone.
Cyclohexane is also utilised as a solvent for lacquers and resins; paint and varnish remover; in the extraction of essential oils; in analytical chemistry for molecular weight determination; in the manufacture of cyclohexanol, cyclohexyl chloride, nitrocyclohexane, solid fuel for camp stoves; synthetic rubber solvent; in industrial recrystallisation of steroids and in fungicidal formulations. Other minor uses of cyclohexane are as a reaction diluent and a starting material for the production of cyclohexanol-cyclohexanone, 'KA oil'.
Cyclohexane can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, nose and throat, but it is less toxic than benzene. Cyclohexane vapour readily forms explosive mixtures in air and flashback is a great hazard to firefighters. Cyclohexane occurs naturally in crude oil and may be released wherever petroleum products are refined, stored and used. Another large source of general release is in exhaust gases from motor vehicles.
ICIS pricing quotes cyclohexane in Europe and the US Gulf in a combined report.
Frequency:
Published weekly on Fridays
Cyclohexane (EUROPE/US GULF)
Weekly Price Assessments:
Cyclohexane Europe Contract Prices
- EX-WORKS NWE monthly (EUR/MT & conversion to USD/MT)
Cyclohexane US Contract Prices
- FOB USG monthly (US CTS/GAL & conversion to USD/MT)
General Information:
Assessment window:
Cyclohexane assessments are based on transactions, bids and offers heard through the week to each Friday at 1700 hours in London and Houston (US central time).
Specification:
ASTM D5309-02 Standard Specification for Cyclohexane 999 (99.9% purity)
Timing:
Delivery four weeks forward from the date of publication.
Terms:
30-60 days after bill of lading date.
Standard cargo size:
ICIS pricing assesses cargoes with a typical size of 1,000 tonnes.
Assessment basis:
In Europe, the monthly cyclohexane price is determined by combining the monthly benzene contract price with a quarterly increment known as the cyclohexane contract price delta. This increment is agreed on a quarterly basis by major buyers and sellers. Cyclohexane prices are assessed on a monthly basis following the settlement of both the monthly benzene price and the quarterly contract price delta.
Following the European price assessments, there is market commentary which includes details of all transactions reported, information on the supply/demand balance, import/export news, general sentiment regarding price direction, production information and general market intelligence.
The US cyclohexane contract price is assessed on a formula-basis, incorporating the given month’s benzene contract price and taking into account manufacturing costs and the typical price spread. There is no market commentary on the US.