| Appearance | N/A |
| Content of Zinc | N/A |
| Boiling Point | 163–166°C (lit.) |
| Melting Point | N/A |
| Vapor Pressure | N/A |
| % Volatile by Weight | N/A |
| Solubility in Water | N/A |
| Density | 0.93 g/mL at 25°C (lit.) |
| pH of Liquid, Typical (10% soln) | N/A |
| Specific Gravity Approx | N/A |
| Odor | N/A |
| pH | N/A |
| Flash Point | 59°C (138.2°F), closed cup |
| Ignition temperature | N/A |
| Lower exposure limit | N/A |
| Upper exposure limit | N/A |
| Color | Colourless |
| Linear Formula | CH3C6H10OH |
| Formula Weight | 114.19 |
| Physical Form | Clear Liquid at 20°C |
| Chemical Name or Material | 2-Methylcyclohexanol (cis- and trans- mixture) |
| UN Number | 2617 |
| Molecular Weight | 114.19 g/mol |
| SMILES String | CC1CCCCC1O |
| Refractive Index | n20/D 1.462 (lit.) |
| Assay | 99% |
| CAS Number | 583-59-5 |
| EC Number | 209-512-0 |
| Empirical Formula | C7H14O |
| NACRES | NA.22 |
| PubChem Substance ID | 24849284 |
| UNSPSC Code | 12352100 |
| MDL Number | MFCD00001443 |
| InChI | 1S/C7H14O/c1-6-4-2-3-5-7(6)8/h6-8H,2-5H2,1H3 |
| InChI Key | NDVWOBYBJYUSMF-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| PubChem CID | 11418 |
| Beilstein/REAXYS Number | 1847535 |
| Quality Level | 100 |
| Functional Groups | Hydroxyl |
| Form | Liquid (clear liquid at 20°C) |
| Isomer Composition | Mixture of cis and trans |
| Applications | Solvent and coating formulation: a slow-evaporating alicyclic alcohol used as a solvent and blending component for lacquers, resins, cleaning products and industrial formulations. |
2-Methylcyclohexanol is a cyclohexane ring carrying a hydroxyl group on one carbon and a methyl group on the adjacent carbon. It has the formula C7H14O (linear form CH3C6H10OH) and a molecular weight of 114.19 g/mol. Because the two substituents create two stereocentres, the compound exists as cis and trans diastereomers, and the commercial material is sold as a mixture whose exact ratio can vary by lot.
Sigma-Aldrich lists the reference grade as a 99% liquid with a refractive index of n20/D 1.462, a boiling range of 163–166 °C and a density of 0.93 g/mL at 25 °C. Its flash point is 59 °C by the closed-cup method, which places it among the combustible liquids that are flammable in practice at moderately elevated temperatures.
Industrially, 2-methylcyclohexanol is produced by hydrogenating o-cresol and is used where a moderately polar, low-volatility alcohol is needed. As a solvent it dissolves resins, oils and waxes; as an intermediate it provides the alcohol component for esters used in fragrance and specialty formulations, and the precursor to 2-methylcyclohexanone through oxidation.
In research and teaching, the compound is valued for its stereochemistry. Its dehydration over acid, its oxidation, and its conversion to tosylates and halides are used to illustrate E1, E2 and SN2 behaviour in substituted cyclohexanes, and the cis and trans isomers show different reactivity because the methyl group prefers the equatorial position. Biochemists have also used it as a substrate when studying enzyme performance in organic solvents.
Because the product is an isomer mixture, check the cis/trans ratio on the Certificate of Analysis if your process is stereochemistry-sensitive; a single-isomer grade is a separate product. Store the liquid in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated place away from ignition sources, and ground containers during bulk transfers. It ships under UN 2617 (methylcyclohexanols, flammable liquid), so shipping follows flammable-liquid rules.
Based on Sigma-Aldrich’s verified classification (153087).
Keep away from heat, sparks and open flames, use explosion-proof equipment and non-sparking tools, and ground containers when transferring. Use with adequate ventilation and avoid contact with strong oxidisers.
