Ethyltoluene describes organic compounds with the formula CH3C6H4CH2CH3. 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 ring bears two substituents: a methyl group and an ethyl group.
| Cymenes | |||
| Name | 2-ethyltoluene | 3-ethyltoluene | 4-Ethyltoluene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural formula |  |
 |
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| CAS number | 611-14-3 | 620-14-4 | 622-96-8 |
| melting point | -80.8 | -95.5 | -62.3 |
| boiling point (°C) | 165 | 161.3 | 162 |
Production and reactions
Ethyltoluenes are prepared by alkylation of toluene with ethylene:
- CH3C6H5 + CH2=CH2 → CH3C6H4CH2CH3
These alkylations are catalyzed by various Lewis acids, such as aluminium trichloride.
3- and 4-Ethyltoluenes are mainly of interest as precursors to methylstyrenes:
- CH3C6H4CH2CH3 → CH3C6H4CH=CH2 + H2
This dehydrogenation is conducted in the presence of zinc oxide catalysts.
References
- ^ Schmidt, Roland; Griesbaum, Karl; Behr, Arno; Biedenkapp, Dieter; Voges, Heinz-Werner; Garbe, Dorothea; Paetz, Christian; Collin, Gerd; Mayer, Dieter; Höke, Hartmut (2014). "Hydrocarbons". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. pp. 1–74. doi:10.1002/14356007.a13_227.pub3. ISBN 9783527306732.
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