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p-Cymene

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

At room temperature, p-Cymene is a liquid. It is less dense than water and is immiscible in water but soluble in organic solvents.

Melting point (Celsius)
-68.70
Melting point (Kelvin)
204.45
Boiling point (Celsius)
177.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
450.15
General information
Molecular weight
134.22g/mol
Molar mass
134.2180g/mol
Density
0.8578g/cm3
Appearence

p-Cymene is a colorless liquid with a mild, sweet, and lemon-like odor. It is a naturally occurring aromatic organic compound found in the essential oils of many plants. Its structure consists of a benzene ring substituted with a methyl group and an isopropyl group in the para position.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 1-tert-butyl-4-methyl-benzene

1-tert-butyl-4-methyl-benzene, also known as p-cymene, exhibits some interesting characteristics when it comes to solubility. This compound is a member of the aromatic hydrocarbon family, and its solubility is influenced by its molecular structure and hydrophobic properties.

Key Points on Solubility:

  • Solubility in Water: 1-tert-butyl-4-methyl-benzene is largely insoluble in water due to its nonpolar nature. The large hydrocarbon groups repel polar water molecules, making it difficult for the compound to dissolve.
  • Solubility in Organic Solvents: Conversely, this compound is readily soluble in a range of organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and acetone. This is due to the similarity between the nonpolar structure of the compound and that of most organic solvents.
  • Temperature Effects: The solubility in organic solvents may increase with temperature, a common phenomenon seen with many organic compounds.

In summary, 1-tert-butyl-4-methyl-benzene's poor water solubility contrasts sharply with its good solubility in organic solvents, highlighting the importance of molecular structure in determining the solubility behavior of chemical compounds.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 1-tert-Butyl-4-methyl-benzene

1-tert-butyl-4-methyl-benzene, commonly known as p-cymene, is an aromatic compound that holds significant interest in both industrial and environmental chemistry. Here are some intriguing aspects of this compound:

  • Structural Characteristics: The presence of both a tert-butyl group and a methyl group attached to a benzene ring creates a unique steric environment. This configuration contributes to the molecule's stability and reactivity.
  • Natural Occurrence: p-Cymene is naturally found in various essential oils, most notably in thyme and cumin. Thus, it is often recognized for its aromatic properties and is used in perfumes and flavoring agents.
  • Industrial Applications: This compound is utilized as a precursor in the synthesis of other chemicals and serves as a solvent in various organic reactions. Its nonpolar nature makes it suitable for many applications in organic chemistry.
  • Biological Activity: Research has suggested that p-cymene exhibits antimicrobial properties. It has been studied for its potential in medicine, particularly in formulations aimed at combating resistance in microbial strains.
  • Environmental Impact: The compound is also of interest in the environmental field due to its role as an atmospheric volatile organic compound (VOC). Its behavior in the atmosphere can influence air quality and contribute to ozone formation.

As a compound of dual interest in both synthetic chemistry and natural product research, p-cymene represents a fascinating intersection of nature and industry. Its versatility is a testament to the complexity and utility of organic molecules in various scientific domains.

Synonyms
4-tert-Butyltoluene
98-51-1
p-tert-Butyltoluene
1-tert-Butyl-4-methylbenzene
1-(tert-Butyl)-4-methylbenzene
4-T-BUTYLTOLUENE
p-t-Butyltoluene
Toluene, p-tert-butyl-
Benzene, 1-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl-
p-Methyl-tert-butylbenzene
8-Methylparacymene
1-Methyl-4-tert-butylbenzene
4-Methyl-tert-butylbenzene
4-tert-Butyl-1-methylbenzene
CCRIS 4762
HSDB 5008
NSC 6589
EINECS 202-675-9
p-t-Butyl toluene
BRN 2038670
DTXSID1024704
AI3-26435
UNII-589519D43L
NSC-6589
DTXCID404704
1-Methyl-4-tert-butyl benzene
4-T-BUTYLTOLUENE [HSDB]
EC 202-675-9
Benzene, 1-methyl-4-tert-butyl-
4-05-00-01097 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
MFCD00008837
UN2667
PTBT
1-(1,1-Dimethylethyl)-4-methyl-benzene
589519D43L
1-METHYL-4-(2-METHYL-2-PROPANYL)BENZENE
p-TBT
CAS-98-51-1
P-(T-butyl)toluene
ptButyltoluene
Butyl toluene
1-tert-butyl-4-methyl-benzene
ptertButyltoluene
4tertButyltoluene
8Methylparacymene
p-tert.butyltoluene
Toluene, ptertbutyl
p-tert.-butyltoluene
BUTYLTOLUENES
4-tert-butyl toluene
para-tert-butyltoluene
pMethyltertbutylbenzene
4Methyltertbutylbenzene
4-|tert|-Butyltoluene
1Methyl4tertbutylbenzene
1tertButyl4methylbenzene
4tertButyl1methylbenzene
TOLUENE, BUTYL-
Benzene, 1-methyl-4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-
tert-butyl-4-methylbenzene
4-t-butyl-1-methylbenzene
4-tert-Butyltoluene, 95%
CHEMBL1489547
NSC6589
p-tert-Butyltoluene (ACGIH:OSHA)
Benzene,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl-
Tox21_202329
Tox21_303201
Benzene, 1(1,1dimethylethyl)4methyl
AKOS000119946
FT63108
NCGC00091789-01
NCGC00091789-02
NCGC00256994-01
NCGC00259878-01
LS-13978
WLN: 1X1 & 1 & R D1
B0744
NS00006273
EN300-19523
1-(1,1-DIMETHYLETHYL)-4-METHYLBENZENE
F87411
A845869
Q20972145
Z104474112
27458-20-4(mixedisomers)98-51-1(p-tert-butyltoluene)
1-Methyl-4-tert-butylbenzene;p-Methyl-tert-butylbenzene;p-tert-Butyl toluene;TBT