Abstract:
The present invention relates to a process for preparing cyclohexane from methylcyclopentane (MCP) and benzene. In the context of the present invention, MCP and benzene are constituents of a hydrocarbon mixture (HM1) additionally comprising dimethylpentanes (DMP), possibly cyclohexane and at least one compound (low boiler) selected from acyclic C5-C6-alkanes and cyclopentane. First of all, benzene is converted in a hydrogenation step to cyclohexane, while MCP is isomerized in the presence of a catalyst, preferably of an acidic ionic liquid, to cyclohexane. The hydrogenation is preceded by a prior removal of the dimethylpentanes (DMP), with initial removal of any cyclohexane present in the hydrocarbon mixture (HM1) together with DMP. This cyclohexane already present can be separated again from DMP in a downstream rectification step and recycled into the process for cyclohexane preparation. Between hydrogenation and isomerization, low boilers are removed and, after the isomerization, the cyclohexane is isolated with return of unisomerized MCP and optionally of low boilers.