Cyclohexane is a colorless, flammable liquid with a distinctive detergent-like odor. It is a type of hydrocarbon, specifically a cyclic alkane, meaning its carbon atoms are arranged in a ring structure. Cyclohexane is commonly used as a solvent in laboratories and in the production of various chemicals, including nylon and other synthetic fibers. In nature, cyclohexane can be found in crude oil and is often produced during the refining process. Its simple structure makes it an important compound in organic chemistry, where it serves as a model for studying more complex molecules. Understanding cyclohexane helps scientists explore the properties of other cyclic compounds.