4-Methylbiphenyl, a chemical compound commonly found in various industrial processes and consumer products, is relevant to everyday life due to its potential health effects. Studies have shown that exposure to 4-Methylbiphenyl may lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other adverse reactions in humans. Therefore, understanding the presence and risks associated with this compound is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in their daily lives.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
4-Methylbiphenyl, a chemical compound with the molecular formula C13H10, finds its commercial and industrial applications in various fields. It is commonly utilized as a heat transfer medium in liquid phase heat transfer systems due to its high thermal stability and low volatility. Additionally, 4-Methylbiphenyl is used as a solvent in the production of dyes, resins, and pharmaceuticals.
In the realm of drug and medication applications, 4-Methylbiphenyl has been studied for its potential therapeutic properties. Research has indicated that this compound may possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, making it a promising candidate for the development of novel medications aimed at treating certain diseases. Furthermore, 4-Methylbiphenyl has shown potential in drug delivery systems, where it can serve as a carrier for various pharmaceutical compounds, enhancing their bioavailability and efficacy.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
4-Methylbiphenyl is a colorless solid with a faint aromatic odor. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone. When heated, it produces toxic fumes.
The molar mass of 4-Methylbiphenyl is approximately 154.21 g/mol, and it has a density of about 1.01 g/cm³. This places it in the same range as common food items such as sugar (molar mass: 342.3 g/mol, density: 1.59 g/cm³) and salt (molar mass: 58.44 g/mol, density: 2.17 g/cm³).
4-Methylbiphenyl has a melting point of 61-64°C and a boiling point of 256-259°C. This makes it comparable to common food items such as butter (melting point: 32-35°C, boiling point: 150-200°C) and olive oil (melting point: -5°C, boiling point: 180-220°C).
4-Methylbiphenyl is practically insoluble in water and has a low viscosity. This is in contrast to common food items such as sugar and salt, which are highly soluble in water and have varied viscosities depending on their form (e.g. granulated sugar vs. syrup).
🏭 Production & Procurement
4-Methylbiphenyl, also known as para-tolylbiphenyl, is primarily produced through the Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction. This chemical synthesis involves the reaction of toluene with biphenyl in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst, such as aluminum chloride. The resulting product is then isolated and purified for use in various industrial applications.
The procurement of 4-Methylbiphenyl can be accomplished through various chemical suppliers and manufacturers. This compound is typically available in both liquid and solid forms, depending on the specific requirements of the end user. Once acquired, 4-Methylbiphenyl can be transported in sealed containers or drums to ensure its stability and prevent any potential leaks or spills during transit.
Transportation of 4-Methylbiphenyl is typically conducted using standard chemical handling and shipping procedures. This may include the use of specialized containers designed to withstand the chemical properties of the compound and prevent any potential hazards during transport. Additionally, proper labeling and documentation are required to comply with regulatory guidelines and ensure the safe handling and delivery of 4-Methylbiphenyl to its destination.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for 4-Methylbiphenyl should be taken into account due to its potential hazards. This chemical substance may cause skin irritation or allergic skin reactions. It is also harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with eyes. In case of exposure, immediate medical attention should be sought. Proper personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, should be worn when handling 4-Methylbiphenyl to prevent any accidents or negative health effects.
Hazard statements for 4-Methylbiphenyl include cautionary warnings such as “Causes skin irritation”, “May cause an allergic skin reaction”, and “Harmful if swallowed”. These statements indicate the potential dangers associated with this chemical compound and emphasize the importance of proper handling and safety precautions. Individuals working with 4-Methylbiphenyl should be aware of these hazard statements and take necessary steps to mitigate risks and ensure their own safety.
Precautionary statements for 4-Methylbiphenyl advise individuals to avoid skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion of the substance. It is recommended to wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye protection when handling this chemical compound to prevent skin irritation and allergic reactions. In case of exposure, individuals should seek medical advice immediately and provide relevant information about the substance. Proper ventilation should be ensured in the workplace to minimize the risk of inhalation. Following these precautionary statements can help to minimize the potential hazards associated with 4-Methylbiphenyl and protect individuals from harm.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
Research on 4-Methylbiphenyl could explore its potential applications in organic synthesis due to its unique structure and reactivity. Examination of its chemical properties and behavior under different reaction conditions could provide valuable insights for developing new synthetic methodologies.
Further studies could focus on the environmental fate and toxicity of 4-Methylbiphenyl, as its presence in various industrial processes raises concerns about its impact on ecosystems and human health. Investigating its biodegradation pathways and interaction with living organisms could help assess its ecological risks and potential for remediation strategies.
The development of efficient and selective methods for the detection and quantification of 4-Methylbiphenyl in complex samples could also be a promising research direction. Improving analytical techniques such as chromatography or spectroscopy could enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of monitoring this compound in environmental and biological matrices.
Exploration of the potential pharmacological properties of 4-Methylbiphenyl could open up avenues for drug discovery and development. Investigating its interactions with biological targets and evaluating its therapeutic potential could lead to the identification of novel compounds with pharmaceutical applications.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to 4-Methylbiphenyl based upon molecular structure is 3-Methylbiphenyl. In this compound, the methyl group is attached to the third carbon atom of the biphenyl structure. This results in similar chemical reactivity and physical properties to 4-Methylbiphenyl due to the close proximity of the methyl group to the biphenyl ring.
Another related compound is 2-Methylbiphenyl, where the methyl group is attached to the second carbon atom of the biphenyl structure. This structural similarity to 4-Methylbiphenyl results in comparable chemical behavior and physical characteristics. The position of the methyl group in relation to the biphenyl ring plays a significant role in determining the properties of these compounds.
Lastly, 1-Methylbiphenyl is another compound with a similar structure to 4-Methylbiphenyl, but with the methyl group attached to the first carbon atom of the biphenyl structure. This positioning of the methyl group affects the overall reactivity and properties of the compound, making it distinct from the other methylbiphenyl isomers. However, due to the shared biphenyl backbone, these compounds still exhibit some similarities in behavior and characteristics.
