| Cumene | |
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(1-methylethyl)benzene |
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Other names
isopropylbenzene |
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| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 98-82-8 |
| PubChem | 7406 |
| ChemSpider | 7128 |
| UNII | 8Q54S3XE7K |
| KEGG | C14396 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:34656 |
| RTECS number | GR8575000 |
| Jmol-3D images | Image 1 |
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| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | C9H12 |
| Molar mass | 120.19 g mol−1 |
| Appearance | colorless liquid |
| Density | 0.862 g cm−3, liquid |
| Melting point |
−96 °C, 177 K, -141 °F |
| Boiling point |
152 °C, 425 K, 306 °F |
| Solubility in water | insoluble |
| Viscosity | 0.777 cP at 21 °C |
| Hazards | |
| R-phrases | R10,R37,R51/53,R65 |
| S-phrases | S24,S37,S61,S62 |
| Main hazards | flammable |
| Flash point | 43 °C |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds | ethylbenzene toluene benzene |
| (verify) (what is: /?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) |
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| Infobox references | |
Cumene is the common name for isopropylbenzene, an organic compound that is an aromatic hydrocarbon. It is a constituent of crude oil and refined fuels. It is a flammable colorless liquid that has a boiling point of 152 °C. Nearly all the cumene that is produced as a pure compound on an industrial scale is converted to cumene hydroperoxide, which is an intermediate in the synthesis of other industrially important chemicals, primarily phenol and acetone.
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Commercial production of cumene is by Friedel–Crafts alkylation of benzene with propylene. Previously, solid phosphoric acid (SPA) supported on alumina was used as the catalyst. Since the mid-1990s, commercial production has switched to zeolite-based catalysts.[1]
Isopropylbenzene is stable, but may form peroxides in storage if in contact with the air. It is important to test for the presence of peroxides before heating or distilling. The chemical is also flammable and incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Environmental laboratories commonly test isopropylbenzene using a Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GCMS) instrument.[2]