Ethylcyclohexane

Chemical Properties

clear colorless liquid

Uses

Organic synthesis.
Ethylcyclohexane can be used as:
A model for alkyl-substituted cycloalkanes to study their rate coefficients of reaction with OH radicals and Cl atoms.
A model for light hydrocarbons to investigate their catalytic cracking performance.
An organic monomer precursor to synthesize organic-inorganic hybrid polymer thin films by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition.

Uses

Ethylcyclohexane can be used as:

• A model for alkyl-substituted cycloalkanes to study their rate coefficients of reaction with OH radicals and Cl atoms.
• A model for light hydrocarbons to investigate their catalytic cracking performance.
• An organic monomer precursor to synthesize organic-inorganic hybrid polymer thin films by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition.

Definition

ChEBI: Ethylcyclohexane is a cycloalkane.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Tetrahedron, 37, p. 2261, 1981 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4020(01)97982-7

General Description

A colorless liquid.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable.

Reactivity Profile

Ethylcyclohexane may be incompatible with strong oxidizing agents such as nitric acid. Charring may occur followed by ignition of unreacted hydrocarbon and other nearby combustibles. In other settings mostly unreactive. Not affected by aqueous solutions of acids, alkalis, most oxidizing agents, and most reducing agents. When heated sufficiently or when ignited in the presence of air, oxygen or strong oxidizing agents, burns exothermically to produce carbon dioxide and water.

Hazard

Flammable, moderate fire risk; flammable limits in air 0.9–6.6%.

Health Hazard

Diziness, with nausea and vomiting. Concentrated vapor may cause collapse and unconsciousness.

Flammability and Explosibility

Not classified

Purification Methods

Ethylcyclohexane [1678-91-7] M 112.2, b 131.2o/742mm, d 4 0.7839, n D 1.43304, n D 1.43073. Purify it by azeotropic distillation with 2-ethoxyethanol; then the alcohol is washed out with water and, after drying, the ethylcyclohexane is redistilled. The dried material has been repeatedly fractionated over Na. [Baker & Groves J Chem Soc 1148 1939, Beilstein 5 H 35, 5 III 90, 5 IV 115.]