New method for producing cyclohexane from methylcyclopentane and benzene

The present invention relates a method for producing cyclohexane from methylcyclopentane (MCP) and benzene. Within the scope of the present invention, MCP and benzene are constituents of a hydrocarbon mixture of substances (KW1), which also contains dimethylpentane (DMP), optionally cyclohexane and at least one compound (a low boiler), selected from non-cyclical C5-C6 alkanes and cyclopentane. Firstly, benzene is converted to cyclohexane in a hydrogenation step, while MCP is isomerised to cyclohexane in the presence of a catalyst, preferably an acid ionic liquid. Before hydrogenation, the dimethylpentanes (DMP) are preseparated, wherein cyclohexane possibly contained in the hydrocarbon mixture of substances (KG1) is separated off firstly, together with DMP. This already present cyclohexane can be further separated off from DMP in a downstream rectification step and recycled into the method for producing cyclohexane. A low-boiling separation takes place between hydrogenation and isomerisation, and subsequent to the isomerisation, the isolation of the cyclohexane takes place accompanied by the recirculation of non-isomerised MCP and optionally low boilers.