Cyclohexane

Synonyms

Benzene, hexahydro-; Benzenehexahydride; Cicloesano [Italian]; Cyclohexaan [Dutch]; Cyclohexan [German]; Cyclohexane; Cykloheksan [Polish]; Hexahydrobenzene; Hexamethylene; Hexanaphthene; [ChemIDplus] UN1145

Category

Aliphatics, Saturated (<C12)

Description

Colorless liquid with a sweet, chloroform-like odor; Note: A solid below 44 degrees F; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used in the production of nylon and as a paint and varnish remover; Also used as a solvent (lacquers, resins, and glues, e.g., in leather manufacturing) and intermediate for organic synthesis; [ACGIH]

Comments

Exposed animals develop narcosis and minimal histopathological liver changes. Some authors report an odor threshold of 25 ppm. [ACGIH] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations may cause CNS effects; [ICSC]

Biomedical References

50 mg/g creatinine at end of shift, end of workweek (1,2-cyclohexanediol in urine); [ACGIH TLVs and BEIs]

Insufficient data

100 ppm

300 ppm

200 ppm

1300 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Basis for original (SCP) IDLH: The chosen IDLH is based on a statement by Patty [1963] that 12,600 ppm produced evidence of lethargy, narcosis, increased respiration rate, and convulsions in animals [Treon et al. 1943]. Also, AIHA [1963] reported that 9,300 ppm for 30 minutes resulted in restlessness, impaired coordination, and exhaustion, but no narcosis or deaths in cats, rabbits, and pigs [Flury and Zernik 1931]. . . . Basis for revised IDLH: Based on health considerations and acute inhalation toxicity data in animals [Lazarew 1929; Treon et al. 1943], a value of about 3,000 ppm would have been appropriate. However, the revised IDLH for cyclohexane is 1,300 ppm based strictly on safety considerations (i.e., being 10% of the lower explosive limit of 1.3%).

96.9 mm Hg

0.52 ppm

Odor Threshold High

784 ppm

LCLo (mice) = 70,000 mg/m3/2H

Explanatory Notes

IDLH = 10% LEL; Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 780 ppm); Flash point = -4 deg F; VP from HSDB;

may ignite at ambient temp

Acute solvent syndrome

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Encephalopathy, chronic solvent
• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Leather Tanning and Processing
• Painting (Solvents)
• Working with Glues and Adhesives