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Cymene describes organic compounds with the formula CH3C6H4CH(CH3)2. Three isomers exist: 1,2- 1,3-, and 1,4-. All are colorless liquids, immiscible in water, with similar boiling points. They are classified are aromatic hydrocarbons. The bearing two substituents: an isopropyl (CH(CH3)2) group and a methyl group.[1]
| Cymenes | |||
| Name | o-Cymene | m-Cymene | p-Cymene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural formula |  |  |  |
| CAS number | 527-84-4 | 535-77-3 | 99-87-6 |
| melting point | -71.54 | -63.75 | -67.94 |
| boiling point (°C) | 178.15 | 175.05 | 177.10 |
m- and p-Cymene are prepared by alkylation of toluene with propylene:
- CH3C6H5 + 2 CH3CH=CH2 → CH3C6H4CH(CH3)2
These alkylations are catalyzed by various Lewis acids, such as aluminium trichloride.
m- and p-Cymene are mainly of interest as precursors to the respective cresols, which exploits the Hock rearrangements.[1]
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