Methylcyclohexane

Methylcyclohexane (C₇H₁₄) is a water white high-purity hydrocarbon solvent. It is a saturated alicyclic compound derived from cyclohexane, featuring a methyl group substitution.

With its effective solvent properties and compatibility with a range of organic materials, Methylcyclohexane is utilized in many industrial applications, including adhesive, coating and resin production in the petrochemical industry, drug synthesis in the pharmaceutical industry, solvency in paint / ink production, and polymerization reactions in the plastic industry.

In 2025, Astrea successfully began US domestic production of Methylcyclohexane. This has reduced logistics costs, eliminated tariff exposure and has also provided environmental advantages:

  • By utilizing railcar fulfillment instead of relying on overseas imports, we have significantly reduced carbon emissions across the supply chain.

  • Methylcyclohexane is cleaner than Toluene, providing greater US market access to a cleaner alternative at more competitive pricing.

Methylcyclohexane vs. Toluene

Comparison chart showing the reasons to choose methylcyclohexane over toluene, including molecular structures, safety, hydrogenation, reactivity, and solvent properties.

Toluene is an aromatic solvent known for its higher volatility and potential toxicity. Methylcyclohexane is regarded as a superior, cleaner alternative to toluene by producing fewer hazardous emissions in industrial processes and reduced health risks with its lower aromatic content. Its cleaner combustion profile and milder chemical reactivity make it a more sustainable choice, aligning with the growing demand for safer, more environmentally friendly industrial practices.

Methylcyclohexane can be used as an intermediate in the production of cyclohexane derivatives, including the hydrogenation of Toluene.