Cyclohexylamines

Cyclohexylamines are a class of amines in which a cyclohexyl group is bound to the amino nitrogen. They can be primary, secondary, or tertiary, depending on how many substituents are attached to nitrogen. The simplest member is cyclohexylamine (cyclohexan-1-amine), with the formula C6H13N. Other derivatives include N-substituted cyclohexylamines such as N-methylcyclohexylamine (secondary) and N,N-dialkylcyclohexylamines (tertiary).

Industrial production typically proceeds by reduction of nitrocyclohexane to cyclohexylamine or by reductive amination of cyclohexanone with ammonia or ammonium salts, followed by appropriate workup. Alternatively, cyclohexyl halides can react with ammonia or amines to form secondary or tertiary amines. These routes provide access to cyclic-alkyl amines used as building blocks in organic synthesis.

Applications: Cyclohexylamines are widely used as chemical intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, dyes, surfactants, and polymers. They serve as precursors to ureas, amides, and various heterocyclic compounds and can be further transformed into amines for targeted functionalization.

Safety: Cyclohexylamines are basic, irritant, and can be hazardous in exposure; they should be handled with appropriate protective equipment and ventilation. They can form potentially hazardous N-nitroso compounds upon nitrosation, and contact with oxidizers or strong acids or bases should be avoided. They are typically stored away from moisture and incompatibles and handled in a fume hood.