Methylcyclohexane (CAS 108-87-2)

Methylcyclohexane is a saturated hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C7H14, consisting of a cyclohexane ring substituted with a single methyl group. This structure makes it a relatively simple alicyclic compound, which is a colorless, flammable liquid with a subtle, distinctive odor. Methylcyclohexane is primarily used as a solvent in the chemical industry due to its ability to dissolve a variety of organic substances, and it is also employed as a starting material in the synthesis of more complex chemical compounds. In research, methylcyclohexane is frequently utilized in studies related to hydrocarbon behavior in different conditions, especially its phase behavior with other hydrocarbons which is crucial for the petroleum industry. Its thermodynamic properties, like heat capacity and vapor pressure, are often subjects of study to enhance the efficiency of processes where heat transfer is involved, such as in distillation columns and heat exchangers. Additionally, methylcyclohexane is used in materials science research, particularly in the study of non-polar solvent systems, where its interactions with polymers and other organic materials are examined to determine solubility characteristics and reaction kinetics. Moreover, its transformation under various conditions, such as in hydrogenation reactions where it can be converted into more useful derivatives like methylcyclohexanol, is of significant interest. This compound also serves as a model in computational chemistry for studying the dynamics of molecular structures and reaction mechanisms, providing insights into the stability and reactivity of cyclic hydrocarbons.