methylcyclohexanes

Methylcyclohexanes are a group of organic chemical compounds with the molecular formula C7H14. They are cyclic alkanes, meaning they consist of a ring of six carbon atoms with one methyl group (CH3) attached. The methyl group can be attached to any of the six carbon atoms in the cyclohexane ring, but due to symmetry, there are only three distinct isomers: 1-methylcyclohexane, 2-methylcyclohexane, and 3-methylcyclohexane. However, 2-methylcyclohexane and 3-methylcyclohexane are identical due to the numbering convention. Therefore, there are effectively two unique structural isomers: 1-methylcyclohexane and 2-methylcyclohexane.

These compounds are colorless liquids at room temperature and are generally insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. They are flammable and have a characteristic odor. Methylcyclohexanes are obtained from petroleum refining processes and are also synthesized through various chemical reactions. Their primary uses are as solvents and as intermediates in the production of other chemicals. They can be found in gasoline and are sometimes used in the formulation of cleaning agents. The cis and trans isomers exist for 2-methylcyclohexane, referring to the relative orientation of the methyl group and the hydrogen atom on adjacent carbon atoms in the ring.