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p-Cymene

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Identification
Molecular formula
C10H14
CAS number
99-87-6
IUPAC name
1-tert-butyl-2-methyl-benzene;1-tert-butyl-3-methyl-benzene;1-tert-butyl-4-methyl-benzene
State
State

At room temperature, p-Cymene exists as a liquid.

Melting point (Celsius)
-68.90
Melting point (Kelvin)
204.25
Boiling point (Celsius)
177.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
450.15
General information
Molecular weight
134.22g/mol
Molar mass
134.2220g/mol
Density
0.8572g/cm3
Appearence

p-Cymene is a colorless liquid with a pleasant aromatic odor. It is often used in laboratories and appears as a clear fluid.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 1-tert-butyl-2-methyl-benzene, 1-tert-butyl-3-methyl-benzene, and 1-tert-butyl-4-methyl-benzene

The solubility of aromatic compounds, such as the isomers of 1-tert-butyl-2-methyl-benzene, 1-tert-butyl-3-methyl-benzene, and 1-tert-butyl-4-methyl-benzene, often depends on their molecular structure and the presence of functional groups. In the case of these compounds, we can observe several important factors influencing their solubility:

  • Polarity: Aromatic hydrocarbons are generally non-polar in nature. Thus, they exhibit limited solubility in polar solvents like water.
  • Hydrophobicity: The presence of bulky tert-butyl groups contributes to the hydrophobic character of these compounds, making them more soluble in non-polar solvents such as hexane or benzene.
  • Isomer Effects: Each isomer may have slightly different solubility due to variations in molecular packing and steric effects, which can influence how they interact with solvents.

Overall, these compounds are expected to have poor solubility in water while demonstrating good solubility in organic solvents. As a guiding principle, it's often true that “like dissolves like,” meaning the similarity in polarity between solute and solvent plays a crucial role in solubility behavior.

These characteristics highlight the importance of understanding molecular structure in predicting solubility outcomes for aromatic compounds.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 1-tert-butyl-2-methyl-benzene, 1-tert-butyl-3-methyl-benzene, and 1-tert-butyl-4-methyl-benzene

These three compounds, known as the isomers of tert-butylmethylbenzene, showcase the fascinating world of structural isomerism in organic chemistry. Each isomer varies only by the position of the methyl group (–CH3) on the benzene ring relative to the tert-butyl group (–C4H9), leading to unique properties and applications. Here are some engaging facts about these compounds:

  • Structure and Isomerism: Structural isomerism is a captivating concept where compounds have the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement of atoms. These three isomers demonstrate how slight changes in structure can lead to varying chemical and physical properties.
  • Reactivity: Each isomer can participate in different chemical reactions due to the influence of the tert-butyl group on the electron density of the benzene ring. This can affect how these compounds react in substitution reactions, where different reactivities may be exhibited.
  • Industrial Relevance: Tert-butylmethylbenzenes are significant in the field of organic synthesis and are often used as solvents or in the production of various chemical intermediates, making them valuable in industrial applications.
  • Biological Impact: Although limited studies are available, some of these compounds are being investigated for their potential biological activities, with researchers interested in their behavior in various biological systems.
  • Physical Properties: Despite their similarities, each isomer possesses different physical properties, such as vapor pressures and boiling points, which are crucial for their behavior in reactions and applications.

In summary, the study of 1-tert-butyl-2-methyl-benzene, 1-tert-butyl-3-methyl-benzene, and 1-tert-butyl-4-methyl-benzene opens a window into the complexities of organic molecules and their behavior, affirming the importance of structure in determining function in chemistry.