Cyclohexanethiol is a low-melting (-30 °C), medium-boiling (158–160 °C) thiol that is essentially insoluble in water but miscible with most common organic solvents (ethanol, ether, acetone, chloroform). It serves chiefly as a chain-transfer or sulfur-building block in polymer and rubber chemistry: oxidation with H₂O₂/NaOH furnishes dicyclohexyl disulfide, the key precursor of the widely used scorch retarder CTP (N-cyclohexylthiophthalimide). Additional outlets include the synthesis of sulfur-containing agro-chemicals, pharmaceutical intermediates, and odorant/flavor compositions where its intense sulfury note is desired. Because of its high volatility (v.p. 10 mm Hg at 38 °C) and low flash point (43 °C), the material is classified as a flammable liquid (UN 1993, Class 3, Packing Group III); it is also air-sensitive and slowly oxidizes to the disulfide on standing. Thermal decomposition or combustion releases toxic SOₓ and H₂S vapors. Occupational exposure should be kept below 0.5 ppm (TLV-TWA); the compound is irritating to skin, eyes and the respiratory tract (rabbit: 2 mg/24 h skin – severe irritation; oral LD₅₀ rat 560 mg kg⁻¹). Storage under nitrogen in a cool, ventilated place away from oxidizers, bases and heavy-metal salts is recommended to maintain the ≥ 98 % purity specification.
