3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl, a chemical compound commonly used in the production of plastics and electronics, holds relevance in everyday life due to its widespread presence in consumer products. From household appliances to electronic devices, this compound plays a crucial role in facilitating the functionality and durability of various items that individuals utilize on a daily basis. As such, an understanding of 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl is essential for consumers seeking to make informed decisions about the products they purchase and use in their daily lives.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl, known for its chemical structure consisting of two benzene rings connected by a carbon-carbon bond, finds various commercial and industrial applications. In the commercial sector, it is employed in the production of specialty chemicals, such as liquid crystals and optical brighteners, due to its aromatic properties and stability. Furthermore, 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl is utilized in the industrial sector as a heat transfer fluid in high-temperature processes, as it possesses a high boiling point and thermal stability.
In the realm of drug and medication applications, 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl is less commonly utilized due to its toxic properties and lack of therapeutic benefits. However, some studies have explored its potential in medical research as a building block for novel drug compounds. Despite these investigations, the compound’s limited solubility and potential health risks hinder its widespread use in pharmaceutical formulations. As such, caution is advised when considering its application in drug development and medication production.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl is a colorless crystalline compound with a faint odor. It appears as white crystals and has a slight aromatic scent.
The molar mass of 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl is 178.24 g/mol, and its density is 1.01 g/cm3. This makes it similar in molar mass to common food items such as sucrose (table sugar) and in density to water.
The melting point of 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl is 79 °C, while its boiling point is 313 °C. These values are higher compared to common food items such as butter (melting point around 32 °C) and water (boiling point at 100 °C).
3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl is poorly soluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. It has a low viscosity, similar to vegetable oil. This contrasts with common food items like salt (high solubility in water) and honey (high viscosity).
🏭 Production & Procurement
3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl, a chemical compound used in various industries, is typically produced through Friedel-Crafts alkylation of biphenyl with methanol in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst. This reaction yields a mixture of isomeric products, with the desired 3,3′-dimethylbiphenyl being isolated through fractional distillation.
In order to procure and transport 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl, it can be purchased from chemical suppliers who specialize in providing rare and specialty chemicals. Typically, the compound is available in both bulk quantities for industrial use and smaller amounts for research purposes.
Given the chemical nature of 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl, specialized shipping and handling procedures must be followed to ensure its safe transport. The compound is typically packaged in tightly sealed containers to prevent leakage and exposure to air, and it may require specialized permits for transport due to its classification as a hazardous material.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl should be taken seriously due to its potential health hazards. This compound is flammable and can release toxic fumes when heated. Proper ventilation and personal protective equipment should be used when handling this substance to prevent inhalation of vapors or skin contact. In case of accidental exposure, immediate medical attention should be sought to mitigate any health risks associated with 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl.
Hazard statements for 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl include “May be harmful if swallowed,” “Causes skin irritation,” and “May cause respiratory irritation.” These statements indicate that this compound poses risks to human health through various routes of exposure. It is important to handle 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl with caution and adhere to safety protocols to minimize the likelihood of adverse effects on individuals working with this substance.
Precautionary statements for 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl recommend wearing protective gloves, clothing, and eye protection when handling this compound. It is also advised to work in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing in vapors or dust. Proper storage of 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl in a cool, dry place away from incompatible materials is essential to prevent accidental spills or reactions. In case of a spill, appropriate cleanup measures should be followed to minimize environmental contamination and exposure risks.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl is its environmental fate and toxicity profile. Given that biphenyls have been shown to be persistent in the environment and exhibit toxic effects on living organisms, further studies could investigate the biodegradation pathways of 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl and its potential impact on ecosystems.
Another avenue of research could be exploring the chemical reactivity of 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl. Understanding its behavior under various conditions, such as oxidation or reduction reactions, could provide insights into its potential applications in organic synthesis or environmental remediation processes. Furthermore, investigating its interactions with other compounds could shed light on its potential role in complex chemical systems.
Additionally, research into the pharmacological properties of 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl could be an intriguing area of study. Given the diverse biological activities exhibited by biphenyl derivatives, exploring the potential therapeutic effects or toxicological profiles of this compound could offer new opportunities for drug discovery or hazard assessment. Further research in this area could contribute to a deeper understanding of the biological effects of 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl and its potential applications in medicine or biotechnology.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl is 2,2′-Dimethylbiphenyl. This compound has a molecular structure where each phenyl ring is substituted with a methyl group at the 2 position. Like 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl, 2,2′-Dimethylbiphenyl is a symmetrical molecule with two identical phenyl rings and two methyl groups in para positions.
Another similar compound is 4,4′-Dimethylbiphenyl. In this compound, both phenyl rings are substituted with a methyl group at the 4 position. Like 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl, 4,4′-Dimethylbiphenyl is also symmetrical with two identical phenyl rings and two methyl groups in para positions. The only difference between 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl and 4,4′-Dimethylbiphenyl is the position of the methyl groups on the phenyl rings.
A third similar compound is 2,4′-Dimethylbiphenyl. In this compound, one phenyl ring is substituted with a methyl group at the 2 position, while the other phenyl ring is substituted with a methyl group at the 4′ position. Like 3,3′-Dimethylbiphenyl, 2,4′-Dimethylbiphenyl has two methyl groups in para positions on the phenyl rings. This compound exhibits a unique asymmetry in the positioning of the methyl groups on the phenyl rings compared to the other dimethylbiphenyl isomers.
