Appearance colorless liquid Boiling point 152.4 °C | Formula C9H12 Density 862 kg/m³ | |
 | ||
Related compounds | ||
Preparation of phenol from cumene
Cumene is the common name for isopropylbenzene, an organic compound that is based on an aromatic hydrocarbon with an aliphatic substitution. It is a constituent of crude oil and refined fuels. It is a flammable colorless liquid that has a boiling point of 152 °C. Nearly all the cumene that is produced as a pure compound on an industrial scale is converted to cumene hydroperoxide, which is an intermediate in the synthesis of other industrially important chemicals, primarily phenol and acetone.
Contents
Production
Commercial production of cumene is by Friedel–Crafts alkylation of benzene with propylene. Cumene producers account for approximately 20% of the global demand for benzene. Previously, solid phosphoric acid (SPA) supported on alumina was used as the catalyst. Since the mid-1990s, commercial production has switched to zeolite-based catalysts.
Isopropylbenzene is stable, but may form peroxides in storage if in contact with the air. It is important to test for the presence of peroxides before heating or distilling. The chemical is also flammable and incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
Health effects
A review by the US Department of Health and Human Services found that mice exposed to cumene fumes developed tumors in their lungs and livers. Cumene was anticipated to also be a human carcinogen and was added to the governmental organization's list of carcinogens in 2014.
