Cymene

Cymene 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 as aromatic hydrocarbons. They bear two substituents: an isopropyl group and a methyl group.

Production and reactions

m- and p-Cymene are prepared by alkylation of toluene with propylene:
These alkylations are catalyzed by various Lewis acids, such as aluminium trichloride.
m- and p-Cymene are mainly of interest as precursors to the respective cresols, which exploits the Hock rearrangements.