Cyclohexyl acetate is an organic compound with the chemical formula . It is a colorless liquid with a fruity, sweet, banana or apple odor. It is the cyclohexyl ester of acetic acid.
Synthesis Cyclohexyl acetate can be synthesized by esterification reaction between acetic acid and cyclohexanol at elevated temperature with trace amounts of sulfuric acid as a catalyst or by reaction of cyclohexene with acetic acid.
Occurrence Cyclohexyl acetate has been reported in Glycine max (soybean), Malus pumila (paradise apple), Garcinia dulcis, Mangifera indica (mango), Malus domestica (apple), Allium cepa (onion), Allium fistulosum (Welsh onion), Brassica (cabbage family) and even in Homo sapiens (human).
Uses Cyclohexyl acetate is used as a solvent and in making rubber. It is a powerful solvent for nitrocellulose and other cellulose esters, many resins, gums. It is also used leather industry for improving adhesion of leather varnishes. In the food industry, it is used as a flavoring agent. Can be used as a paint solvent. Cyclohexyl acetate is used as a fragrance in cosmetics and cleaning agents.
Safety Vapors of cyclohexyl acetate are much heavier than air and may be narcotic in high concentrations. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to the source of ignition and flash back. Vapor may form explosive mixtures with air. The lower explosive limit (LEL) is 0.9 vol% (54 g/m3). It is skin, eye and respiratory tract irritant. May cause drowsiness, lowered consciousness and unconsciousness upon vapor inhalation or ingestion of large quantities, but it is safe when used as a flavoring agent. Cyclohexyl acetate emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes when heated to high temperatures. Containers of cyclohexyl acetate may explode when heated. Do not spill into drains because of risk of explosion.
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