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Cumene

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Identification
Molecular formula
C9H12
CAS number
98-82-8
IUPAC name
1-ethyl-3-isopropyl-benzene
State
State

Cumene is typically in a liquid state at room temperature. Its fluidity and color make it identifiable apart from water and other clear, benign liquids.

Melting point (Celsius)
-96.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
177.10
Boiling point (Celsius)
152.40
Boiling point (Kelvin)
425.60
General information
Molecular weight
120.19g/mol
Molar mass
120.1940g/mol
Density
0.8610g/cm3
Appearence

Cumene is a colorless liquid with a sharp, penetrating aromatic odor. It tends to be clear and more fluid than more viscous substances. Due to its appearance, it is distinctive by its faint yellow hue when impurities are present.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 1-ethyl-3-isopropyl-benzene

1-ethyl-3-isopropyl-benzene, a hydrocarbon compound also known as a substituted aromatic hydrocarbon, presents some interesting characteristics in terms of solubility:

  • Solubility in Water: Generally, this compound is insoluble in water due to the non-polar nature of its hydrocarbon structure. The presence of the benzene ring contributes to this low polarity.
  • Solubility in Organic Solvents: However, it demonstrates good solubility in organic solvents such as:
    • Aliphatic hydrocarbons
    • Aromatic hydrocarbons
    • Alcohols

These characteristics are primarily because of its hydrophobic alkyl groups that favor interactions with non-polar solvents rather than polar solvents like water.

As stated, “like dissolves like”, which aptly describes the solubility behavior of 1-ethyl-3-isopropyl-benzene, making it a useful compound in organic synthesis and applications where non-polar solvents are required.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 1-Ethyl-3-isopropyl-benzene

1-Ethyl-3-isopropyl-benzene, also known as para-ethyltoluene, is a fascinating aromatic hydrocarbon that belongs to the broader family of alkylbenzenes. Here are a few engaging insights about this compound:

  • Versatile Solvent: Due to its non-polar nature, 1-ethyl-3-isopropyl-benzene is often utilized as a solvent in various chemical processes, making it an important compound in the field of organic chemistry.
  • Flavor and Fragrance: The aromatic ring structure lends this compound a sweet, pleasant scent, which makes it valuable in the formulation of some perfumes and flavoring agents.
  • Importance in Synthesis: 1-Ethyl-3-isopropyl-benzene serves as a building block in the synthesis of more complex organic molecules. Its alkyl group positioning allows for unique reactivity.
  • Environmental Impact: As with many aromatic compounds, understanding the environmental implications of using 1-ethyl-3-isopropyl-benzene is crucial. Researchers are actively studying its degradation pathways to assess its ecological footprint.
  • Research Applications: In scientific research, this compound is often explored in studies related to chemical reactivity, electrophilic substitutions, and the behavior of hydrocarbons in different conditions.

With its interesting chemical properties and diverse applications, 1-ethyl-3-isopropyl-benzene continues to be a subject of study and utilization in various scientific and industrial fields.

Synonyms
4920-99-4
Cumene, m-ethyl-
m-Ethylcumene
1-ethyl-3-iso-propylbenzene
Benzene, 1-ethyl-3-(1-methylethyl)-
1-ethyl-3-propan-2-ylbenzene
1-Ethyl-3-isopropylbenzene
1-ethyl-3-i-propylbenzene
DTXSID0074712
GSLSBTNLESMZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N
1-ethyl-3-(1-methyl-ethyl)-benzene
AKOS006272664
NS00113983