Cyclohexene

Cyclohexene

Cyclohexene is an organic compound with the formula C₆H₁₀. It is a colorless liquid with a sharp smell. Cyclohexene is a member of the alkene family, characterized by the presence of a carbon-carbon double bond.

Structure and Properties

Cyclohexene is a six-membered ring compound with one double bond. The presence of the double bond makes it unsaturated, and it is more reactive than its saturated counterpart, cyclohexane. The molecular geometry around the double bond is trigonal planar, which affects its chemical reactivity.

Physical Properties

• Molecular formula: C₆H₁₀
• Molar mass: 82.15 g/mol
• Density: 0.811 g/cm³
• Boiling point: 83 °C (181 °F)
• Melting point: -103.5 °C (-154.3 °F)

Chemical Properties

Cyclohexene is more reactive than cyclohexane due to the presence of the double bond. It can undergo typical alkene reactions such as:

• Hydrogenation to form cyclohexane.
• Halogenation to form dihalocyclohexanes.
• Hydration to form cyclohexanol.

Synthesis

Cyclohexene can be synthesized through several methods:

Dehydration of Cyclohexanol

One common method is the dehydration of cyclohexanol using an acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid. The reaction proceeds as follows:

C₆H₁₁OH → C₆H₁₀ + H₂O

This reaction is an example of an elimination reaction, specifically an E1 mechanism.

Partial Hydrogenation of Benzene

Cyclohexene can also be produced by the partial hydrogenation of benzene using a suitable catalyst under controlled conditions.

Applications

Cyclohexene is used in various industrial applications:

• As an intermediate in the production of adipic acid, which is a precursor for nylon synthesis.
• In the manufacture of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone, which are important intermediates in the production of nylon.
• As a solvent and a starting material for various chemical syntheses.

Safety and Handling

Cyclohexene is flammable and should be handled with care. It can form explosive peroxides upon prolonged exposure to air. Proper storage conditions include keeping it in a cool, dry place away from light and air.

See Also

• Cyclohexane
• Alkene
• Hydrogenation