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In 2005, global demand for cyclohexane was just over 5 million metric tons.
Demand is driven mainly by nylon feedstocks. By 2010, global demand for cyclohexane
is expected to reach approximately 6 million metric tons, representing an average
annual growth rate of 3% during 2005–2010. Global demand in nylon fiber
is expected to grow at 2% annually in 2005–2010. China will exhibit the
strongest growth for nylon at 3–4% annually over the next five years.
Six producers account for 50% of world capacity for cyclohexane—ExxonMobil,
Chevron Phillips, Huntsman, Deutsche BP Aktiengesellschaft, ConocoPhillips
and Idemitsu Kosan, as shown in the following pie chart:
Practically all cyclohexane is used to make cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone,
which, in turn, are used mainly as precursors for adipic acid and caprolactam,
respectively. Other uses for cyclohexane include various solvent applications
and the production of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone for nonprecursor use.
The following pie chart shows consumption of cyclohexane by major region:
Much of the growth in world demand for cyclohexane will occur in China because
of increased output for nylon fiber, especially for caprolactam/nylon 6–based
fiber. Demand for adipic acid is also increasing in China, both as a feedstock
for nylon 66 fiber and as a raw material for polyester-based hotmelt adhesives
for shoe soles. Consumption of cyclohexane is also expected to increase in
Taiwan, mainly for nylon fiber production.
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