Technical isopropylbenzene produced by alkylation of benzene with propylene in the presence of aluminum chloride. It is used for synthesis of phenol, acetone and alfamethylstyrene and as a high-octane component of motor fuels. Less commonly used as a solvent for organic substances. Cumene (isopropylbenzene) is a colorless flammable liquid, insoluble in water, miscible with alcohol, ether, benzene.
(1-methylethyl)benzene
C9H12
Colorless
Liquid
Paints & Coatings , Chemical Manufacturing
Fuel Additives
Cumene is a secondary alcohol of aliphatic series. It can form different ethers, reacts with active metals, condensation with aromatic compounds produces derivatives, e.g. isopropylbenzene. It is an excellent solvent and itself dissolves in benzene and acetone, and mixes with water and organic solvents in any proportions.
Isopropyl alcohol is a colorless liquid with a pungent alcoholic odor, more “coarse” than the odor of ethyl alcohol. Freezing point: 89.5 ° C below zero. The vapors of the substance easily mix with air and in high concentrations form an explosive mixture, so it should be handled in well-ventilated rooms and kept away from open flames and heating appliances.
The chemical Cumene is not as toxic as benzene. That is why its sphere of application is so wide. It is used in organic synthesis, perfumes and cosmetics, military, fuel, pharmaceuticals, paint and varnish industry. Cumene is commercially available and can be used as a diluent at home.
| Name of the indicator | Norm |
|---|---|
| Higher grade OKP 24 1441 0110 | |
| Varieties | |
| Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid |
| Density at 20 °C, g/cm³ | 0.861–0.862 |
| Mass fraction of isopropylbenzene, %, not less than | 99.9 |
| Mass fraction of organic impurities, %, not more than, including: | |
| – Non-aromatic compounds | 0.003 |
| – Ethylbenzene | 0.03 |
| – n-Propylbenzene | 0.05 |
| – Butylbenzenes and higher hydrocarbons | 0.01 |
| Mass fraction of unsaturated compounds in g bromine frames per 100 g of product, not more than | 0.015 |
| Mass fraction of phenol, %, max | 0.0003 |
| Mass fraction of total sulfur, %, max | 0.0002 |
| Mass fraction of chlorine, %, max | 0.0004 |
