Diethylbenzenes
| Identifiers | |
|---|---|
| [1] 25340-17-4[2] | |
| Properties | |
| Molar mass | 134.22 |
| Density | 0.87 g/mL |
| Hazards | |
| Flash point | 134.6 °F / 57 °C |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
| Infobox references | |
Diethylbenzene (DEB) refers to any of three isomers with the formula C6H4(C2H5)2. Each consists of a benzene ring and two ethyl substituents. The meta and para have the greater commercial significance. All are colorless liquids.[3]
Production and applications
Diethylbenzenes arise as side-products of the alkylation of benzene with ethylene, which can described as two steps. The first step is the industrial route to ethylbenzene, which is produced on a large scale as a precursor to styrene.
- C6H6 + C2H4 → C6H5C2H5
The diethylbenzene is an inadvertent side product.
- C6H5C2H5 + C2H4 → C6H4(C2H5)2
Using shape-selective zeolite catalysts, the para isomer can be produced in high selectivity.
Much diethylbenzene is recycled by transalkylation give ethylbenzene:[3]
- C6H4(C2H5)2 + C6H6 → 2 C6H5C2H5
Uses
Diethylbenzene is used in a mixture with methyl and/or ethyl biphenyls as a low temperature heat transfer fluid.[4]
Diethylbenzene is dehydrogenated to give divinylbenzene (DVB):
- C6H4(C2H5)2 → C6H4(C2H3)2 + 2 H2
DVB is used in the production of crosslinked polystyrene.[5]
References
- ↑ "Diethylbenzene 95% | Sigma-Aldrich". www.sigmaaldrich.com. Retrieved 2016-06-17.
- ↑ "Diethylbenzene 95% | Sigma-Aldrich". www.sigmaaldrich.com. Retrieved 2016-06-17.
- 1 2 Karl Griesbaum, Arno Behr, Dieter Biedenkapp, Heinz-Werner Voges, Dorothea Garbe, Christian Paetz, Gerd Collin, Dieter Mayer, Hartmut Höke "Hydrocarbons" in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry 2002 Wiley-VCH, Weinheim. doi:10.1002/14356007.a13_227
- ↑ Buske, Gary R.; Wenger, Terry L.; Beyrau, John A. (Nov 11, 1986), Heat-transfer fluid, retrieved 2016-06-30
- ↑ Denis H. James William M. Castor, “Styrene” in Ullmann’s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2005. doi:10.1002/14356007.a25_329.pub2.