1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene, commonly known as Durene, is a highly versatile compound with numerous applications in everyday life. It is commonly used as a solvent in various industrial processes, including the production of paints, coatings, adhesives, and dyes. Additionally, it is a key ingredient in the manufacturing of fragrances, flavors, and pharmaceuticals. Its stability and relatively low toxicity make it a valuable component in many consumer products. Overall, 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene plays a crucial role in various industries, contributing to the production of a wide range of goods that we encounter on a daily basis.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene, also known as Durene, has various commercial and industrial applications. It is commonly used as a solvent for coatings, adhesives, and as a carrier fluid in the chemical industry. Additionally, it is used in the production of fragrances, polymers, and resins due to its excellent solubility properties.
In terms of drug and medication applications, 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene is not commonly used. Its chemical structure and properties make it more suitable for industrial purposes rather than pharmaceutical applications. However, it is important to note that its use in pharmaceuticals may be explored in the future for specific applications due to its stability and non-reactive nature.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene is a colorless liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor. It is commonly used as a solvent in various industrial applications due to its strong odor and chemical properties.
The molar mass of 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene is approximately 134.22 g/mol, and its density is about 0.87 g/cm3. In comparison, common food items such as sugar (molar mass: 342.30 g/mol, density: 1.59 g/cm3) and salt (molar mass: 58.44 g/mol, density: 2.16 g/cm3) have higher molar masses and densities.
1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene has a melting point of -2 °C and a boiling point of 160 °C. In contrast, common food items such as butter (melting point: 32-35 °C, boiling point: 150-200 °C) and chocolate (melting point: 34-38 °C, boiling point: 160-190 °C) have higher melting and boiling points.
1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene is insoluble in water and exhibits low viscosity. This is in stark contrast to common food items such as salt and sugar, which are highly soluble in water and have higher viscosity levels.
🏭 Production & Procurement
1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene, also known as p-xylene, is primarily produced through the catalytic alkylation of benzene with methanol. This reaction takes place in the presence of a catalyst, such as zeolite, which facilitates the formation of p-xylene as one of the products. The resulting mixture is then separated and purified to obtain the desired compound.
1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene can be procured from chemical suppliers who specialize in the production and distribution of aromatic compounds. It is often available in bulk quantities for industrial use, as well as in smaller quantities for research purposes. The compound is typically transported in sealed containers to prevent contamination or degradation during transit.
In addition to purchasing from chemical suppliers, 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene can also be obtained through synthesis in a laboratory setting. Researchers and chemists may choose to produce the compound in-house for specific experimental purposes or to study its properties. Proper safety measures and equipment must be in place when handling and transporting potentially hazardous chemicals like p-xylene.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety Considerations for 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene:
1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene, also known as p-xylene, is a highly flammable liquid that poses a fire hazard. It should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area away from sources of heat or ignition. Proper personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, should be worn when handling this chemical to prevent skin and eye irritation.
In addition to its flammability, 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene may also pose health hazards if inhaled or ingested. Exposure to this chemical can result in respiratory irritation, dizziness, and nausea. It is important to handle 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene with caution and ensure that proper ventilation is in place when working with it to minimize the risk of harm.
Furthermore, 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene should be kept away from incompatible materials, such as strong oxidizing agents, to prevent the possibility of chemical reactions that could lead to hazardous conditions. Spills of this chemical should be cleaned up promptly using appropriate absorbent materials and disposed of according to established protocols to prevent environmental contamination.
Hazard Statements for 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene:
The hazard statements for 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene include: flammable liquid and vapor (H226), harmful if swallowed (H302), harmful if inhaled (H332), causes skin irritation (H315), causes eye irritation (H319), and may cause respiratory irritation (H335). These statements highlight the potential risks associated with exposure to 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene and emphasize the importance of handling this chemical with care.
Precautionary Statements for 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene:
To minimize the risks associated with 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene, several precautionary statements should be followed. These include: keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces (P210), wear protective gloves and eye protection (P280), use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area (P271), do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling this chemical (P270), and dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations (P501). By adhering to these precautionary statements, the likelihood of accidents or harm when working with 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene can be greatly reduced.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene, also known as Durene, is a highly symmetrical molecule that has attracted attention in various research fields due to its unique properties and potential applications.
One potential research direction for 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene is its use as a solvent in chemical reactions and organic synthesis due to its solubility properties and stability under high temperatures.
Another area of interest is the study of the physical and chemical properties of 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene in different environmental conditions, which can provide valuable insights into its behavior and potential uses in various industries.
Furthermore, investigation into the potential biomedical applications of 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene, such as in drug delivery systems or as a building block for new materials, could open up new avenues for research and innovation in the field of medicine.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene based upon molecular structure is 1,2,3,5-Tetramethylbenzene. In this compound, the methyl groups are positioned at carbon atoms 1, 2, 3, and 5 of the benzene ring, leading to a symmetrical tetramethyl substitution pattern. This compound exhibits similar physical and chemical properties to 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene due to the identical arrangement of methyl groups.
Another analogous compound is 1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexamethylbenzene, featuring six methyl groups attached to the benzene ring. This compound manifests a hexamethyl substitution pattern compared to the tetramethyl pattern of 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene. Despite the increased number of methyl groups, the overall structure and properties of 1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexamethylbenzene remain similar to those of 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene.
A further compound akin to 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene is 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene, which possesses three methyl groups attached to the benzene ring at carbon atoms 1, 2, and 4. While this compound exhibits a different substitution pattern compared to 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene, the presence of methyl groups in similar positions results in comparable physical and chemical characteristics.
