1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene

1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene

Names
IUPAC name 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene
Other names Pseudocumene, Asymmetrical trimethylbenzene, psi-cumene
Identifiers
CAS Number	95-63-6 Y
ChEBI	CHEBI:34039 Y
ChemSpider	6977 Y
Jmol 3D model	Interactive image
KEGG	C14533 Y
InChI InChI=1S/C9H12/c1-7-4-5-8(2)9(3)6-7/h4-6H,1-3H3 Y Key: GWHJZXXIDMPWGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y InChI=1/C9H12/c1-7-4-5-8(2)9(3)6-7/h4-6H,1-3H3 Key: GWHJZXXIDMPWGX-UHFFFAOYAF
SMILES c1c(ccc(c1C)C)C
Properties
Chemical formula	C9H12
Molar mass	120.19 g/mol
Appearance	Colorless liquid
Density	0.8761 g/cm3
Melting point	−43.78 °C (−46.80 °F; 229.37 K)
Boiling point	169 to 171 °C (336 to 340 °F; 442 to 444 K)
Vapor pressure	{{{value}}}
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Y verify (what is YN ?)
Infobox references

1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₆H₃(CH₃)₃. Classified as an aromatic hydrocarbon, it is a flammable colorless liquid with a strong odor. It is nearly insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. It occurs naturally in coal tar and petroleum (about 3%).

Production

Industrially, it is isolated from the C₉ aromatic hydrocarbon fraction during petroleum distillation. Approximately 40% of this fraction is 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene. It is also generated by methylation of toluene and xylenes and the disproportionation of xylene over aluminosilicate catalysts.

Uses

Pseudocumene is a precursor to mellitic anhydride, from which high performance polymers are made. It is also used as a sterilizing agent and in the manufacture of dyes, perfumes, and resins. Another major use is as a gasoline additive.

Niche

1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene dissolved in mineral oil is used as a liquid scintillator.

See Also

• Cumene

External links

• EPA Chemical Fact Sheet
• CDC – NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards