Tripropylene

Tripropylene

Identifiers
CAS Registry Number	13987-01-4 Y
Properties
Chemical formula	C9H18
Molar mass	126.24
Appearance	colourless liquid
Density	1.022
Melting point	-93.5
Boiling point	156
Solubility in water	very low
Except where noted otherwise, data is given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C (77 °F), 100 kPa)
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Infobox references

Tripropylene, also known as propylene trimer, is a mixture of organic compounds with the formula C₉H₁₈.^[1] This mixture is obtained by oligomerization of propene:

C₃H₆ → C₉H₁₈

In this process, two double bonds are lost and one is retained as illustrated by the isomer shown in the figure. The reaction is catalyzed by acids, such as polyphosphoric acid.^[2] A variety of catalysts have been explored.^[3] The reaction proceeds via the formation of a carbocation ((CH₃)₂CH⁺), which attacks another propylene unit, generating a new carbocation, etc. This kind of process affords mixtures (C₃H₆)_n.

Like other alkenes, propylene trimer is used as an alkylating agent. A number of surfactants and lubricants are produced by alkylation of aromatic substrates.

References