Method for producing cyclohexane by using starting materials originating from a steam cracking process

The invention relates to a method for producing cyclohexane by isomerizing a hydrocarbon mixture (KG1) containing methylcyclopentane (MCP) in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst is preferably an acidic ionic liquid. A flow (S1) originating from a steam cracking process is used as a starting material. The hydrocarbon mixture (KG1) is obtained from said stream (S1) in a device for removing aromatics. The hydrocarbon mixture has a reduced aromatic content in comparison with the flow (S1). (KG1) can also be (nearly) free of aromatics. In dependence on the type and amount of the aromatics remaining in the hydrocarbon mixture (KG1), in particular if benzene is present, a hydrogenation of (KG1) additionally can be performed before the isomerization. Furthermore, additional purification steps can optionally be performed before or after the isomerization or hydrogenation in dependence on the presence of other components of (KG1). Preferably high-purity cyclohexane (in accordance with specifications) is isolated from the hydrocarbon mixture (KG2) arising during the isomerization, wherein the specifications are given, for example, by the use of the cyclohexane for the production of caprolactam known to the person skilled in the art.