Ethyltoluene describes organic compounds with the formula . 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 CAS number 611-14-3 620-14-4 622–96–8 melting point (°C) −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:
These alkylations are catalyzed by various Lewis acids, such as aluminium trichloride.
3- and 4-Ethyltoluenes are mainly of interest as precursors to methylstyrenes:
This dehydrogenation is conducted in the presence of zinc oxide catalysts.
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