Ethyltolune 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.[1]

Cymenes
Name 2-ethyltoluene 3-ethyltoluene 4-Ethyltoluene
Structural formula
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

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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.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b 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.