Cumene
Supplier in UAE

Cumene (Isopropylbenzene, CAS 98-82-8) is used primarily as the feedstock for the Hock process, which is the world's dominant industrial route to phenol and acetone. Over 98% of global Cumene production feeds phenol plants, where it is air-oxidised to cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) and then acid-cleaved to yield phenol and acetone simultaneously. Phenol in turn is used to make bisphenol-A (BPA), phenolic resins, caprolactam (Nylon 6) and other derivatives. Cumene is also used as a high-boiling aromatic solvent in coatings, inks and chemical processes.

The CAS Registry Number for Cumene is 98-82-8. This is the universally recognised chemical identifier used by procurement, regulatory and customs professionals worldwide. The EINECS number is 202-704-5 and the UN number for transport purposes is UN 1918 (Isopropylbenzene, Flammable Liquid, Class 3, PG III). The HS code used in UAE customs for Cumene is 2902 60 00.

Cumene is known by several synonyms: Isopropylbenzene (the most commonly used alternative name), 2-Phenylpropane and the IUPAC systematic name (Propan-2-yl)benzene. In industrial and trade contexts it is referred to almost universally as "Cumene." Its molecular formula is C₉H₁₂ and it belongs to the alkylbenzene sub-family of aromatic hydrocarbons.

Chelora Chemicals UAE (chelorachemicalsuae.com) is a dedicated Cumene supplier serving all seven UAE emirates and the GCC. We source chemical-grade Cumene (≥99.5%) and supply it to phenol-acetone processors, resin manufacturers, paint and coatings formulators, solvent users and chemical distributors across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and beyond. Contact our sales team for availability, pricing and lead-time information.

Yes. Chelora Chemicals UAE delivers Cumene to all seven UAE emirates: Dubai (JAFZA, DIP, Al Quoz), Abu Dhabi (ICAD, KIZAD, Ruwais), Sharjah (Hamriyah Free Zone, SAIF Zone), Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain. We cover both mainland industrial zones and UAE free zones. For GCC destinations including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar, we arrange full export documentation and international logistics.

We supply chemical-grade Cumene at ≥ 99.5% purity by gas chromatography (GC). Key quality parameters include APHA colour ≤ 10, benzene content ≤ 0.005%, n-propylbenzene ≤ 0.05%, diisopropylbenzenes ≤ 0.1%, peroxide content ≤ 1 ppm and water content ≤ 0.02%. Benzene content is certified on every batch CoA to support your regulatory compliance requirements. Please contact us if you have specific purity requirements beyond these standard specifications.

Yes. Cumene is classified as a flammable liquid (Flash Point 36 °C, UN Class 3, PG III) and is listed by the IARC as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B). Key hazards include flammability, vapour inhalation risk (OEL 50 ppm as an 8-hour TWA in many jurisdictions), skin and eye irritation, and aspiration hazard. Safe handling requires closed-system processing, local exhaust ventilation, storage away from heat and ignition sources, and PPE including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles and appropriate respiratory protection. Consult the full Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling or storage.

Our minimum order quantity for Cumene is one 200-litre UN-approved steel drum for laboratory and sample requirements. Commercial orders are typically fulfilled in IBC (1,000 L) multiples or full ISO tank loads for large-volume applications. We accommodate custom volume requirements — contact our sales team with your specific needs and we will identify the most suitable packaging and logistics solution, including consolidated shipments for multi-product orders.

Chelora Chemicals UAE supplies Cumene in: ISO tank containers for bulk orders, flexitanks for cost-effective sea freight volumes, 1,000-litre IBCs for mid-scale requirements, and 200-litre closed-head steel drums for small and sample orders. All packaging is DG-approved for UN 1918 (Class 3) and shipped with full IMDG/ADR documentation including the dangerous goods declaration and SDS.

Cumene should be stored in tightly sealed, UN-approved containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources and ignition sources. Recommended maximum storage temperature is 30 °C. Storage areas should be classified as hazardous (Zone 2) and equipped with explosion-proof electrical equipment, earthing and bonding, and appropriate fire suppression. Peroxide build-up in stored Cumene should be monitored — peroxide content above 25 ppm indicates the need for testing before distillation or processing. Typical shelf life is 12 months from manufacture when stored in sealed, dark conditions.

Yes. Chelora Chemicals UAE arranges Cumene export to all GCC member states — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar — as well as broader MENA and international markets. We prepare the full export documentation package including IMDG dangerous goods declaration, Certificate of Analysis, Certificate of Origin, commercial invoice and packing list. Our logistics team has established routes for UN 1918 Class 3 DG consignments by road tanker and ISO tank by sea.

Cumene is the starting material for the Hock process — the dominant global industrial route to both phenol and acetone. In this two-step process, Cumene is first oxidised by air to cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) at 80–120 °C, then the CHP is cleaved by acid to produce phenol and acetone in an approximately 1:0.62 weight ratio (roughly 1 tonne of phenol per 0.62 tonnes of acetone). Globally, about 95% of phenol is produced from Cumene, and this route also accounts for a significant proportion of world acetone supply. Because phenol and acetone are always co-produced, the economics of the Hock process are influenced by the market prices of both products relative to Cumene feedstock.