Isopropylbenzene, also known as cumene, is an aromatic hydrocarbon compound that consists of a benzene ring with an isopropyl group attached. It is an important industrial chemical with various applications, particularly in the context of phenols and their uses.
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Isopropylbenzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a distinctive, aromatic odor.
It is produced commercially by the alkylation of benzene with propylene, a process that is important in the petrochemical industry.
Isopropylbenzene is a versatile intermediate in the production of various phenol-based compounds, including phenol, acetone, and bisphenol A.
The isopropyl group in isopropylbenzene contributes to its physical and chemical properties, such as its boiling point and reactivity.
Isopropylbenzene is used as a solvent, a fuel additive, and a precursor in the synthesis of other organic compounds.
Review Questions
Explain the role of isopropylbenzene in the production of phenol-based compounds.
Isopropylbenzene, or cumene, is a key intermediate in the production of phenol, a widely used phenol-based compound. The process involves the oxidation of isopropylbenzene to form cumene hydroperoxide, which is then cleaved to yield phenol and acetone. This two-step process is an important industrial method for the large-scale production of phenol, a versatile compound with numerous applications in the chemical industry.
Describe the structural features of isopropylbenzene and how they contribute to its properties and reactivity.
Isopropylbenzene consists of a benzene ring with an isopropyl group (-CH(CH3)2) attached. The presence of the aromatic benzene ring and the branched isopropyl substituent gives isopropylbenzene unique physical and chemical properties. The aromatic nature of the benzene ring contributes to its stability and reactivity, while the isopropyl group affects the boiling point, solubility, and reactivity of the compound. The combination of these structural features makes isopropylbenzene a versatile and important industrial chemical.
Evaluate the significance of isopropylbenzene in the context of phenols and their uses, and discuss how its properties and applications are relevant to this topic.
Isopropylbenzene, or cumene, is a crucial intermediate in the production of phenol, a widely used phenol-based compound. The ability to efficiently synthesize phenol from isopropylbenzene is a key factor in the industrial importance of this compound. Phenols have a wide range of applications, including the manufacture of plastics, resins, pharmaceuticals, and various other chemicals. The unique structural features of isopropylbenzene, such as the aromatic benzene ring and the isopropyl group, contribute to its suitability as a precursor for phenol and other phenol-derived products. Understanding the role of isopropylbenzene in the context of phenols and their uses is essential for comprehending the broader significance of this compound in the chemical industry.
Related terms
Phenols: Phenols are a class of organic compounds containing a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to an aromatic ring. They exhibit acidic properties and have diverse applications in the chemical industry.
Isopropyl Group: The isopropyl group is a branched alkyl group with the formula -CH(CH3)2. It is a common substituent in organic compounds and plays a role in determining the properties and reactivity of the molecule.
Benzene: Benzene is a cyclic, aromatic hydrocarbon compound with the formula C6H6. It is a key building block in organic chemistry and serves as a precursor for many other compounds.