Chemical Properties
white to brown semi-transparent crystals
Physical properties
Colorless crystals or scales with a camphor-like odor
Uses
Plasticizers; polymers; fibers; organic synthesis.
Uses
1,2,4,5-Tetramethylbenzene is used in method for reducing odor in room in remodeling work by removing causative substances.
Definition
ChEBI: Durene is a tetramethylbenzene carrying methyl groups at positions 1, 2, 4 and 5.
General Description
Colorless crystals with a camphor-like odor.
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Vigorous reactions, sometimes amounting to explosions, can result from the contact between aromatic hydrocarbons, such as 1,2,4,5-Tetramethylbenzene, and strong oxidizing agents. They can react exothermically with bases and with diazo compounds. Substitution at the benzene nucleus occurs by halogenation (acid catalyst), nitration, sulfonation, and the Friedel-Crafts reaction.
Purification Methods
Chromatograph durene on alumina, and recrystallise it from aqueous EtOH or *benzene. Zone-refining removes duroaldehydes. Dry it under vacuum. [Yamauchi et al. J Phys Chem 89 4804 1985.] It has also been sublimed in vacuo [Johnston et al. J Am Chem Soc 109 1291 1987]. [Beilstein 5 H 431, 5 I 207, 5 II 329, 5 III 979, 5 IV 1076.]
