A synthetic plant growth regulator used mainly on stored potatoes rather than in the open environment. Available data is limited. It is moderately soluble in water, has a low mammalian acute oral toxicity and not expected to cause serious, long-term negative health effects. It has a low to moderate toxicity to aquatic species.
beige crystalline platelets
2,6-Diisopropylnaphthalene, is a building block used for the synthesis of more complex compounds. 2,6-Diisopropylnaphthalene (2,6-DIPM) is also used in the manufacturing of pesticide products intended to prevent sprouting of stored potatoes.
The commercial production of 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene involves a multi-step isopropylation and transalkylation process. Initially, naphthalene is isopropylated using propylene in the presence of an acid catalyst, producing a mixture of mono-, di-, and tri-isopropylnaphthalenes. This mixture undergoes transalkylation with a triisopropylnaphthalene-rich stream to redistribute isopropyl groups, enhancing the yield of the desired 2,6-isomer. The resulting mixture is then fractionally distilled to separate the mono-, di-, and tri-substituted products. The 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene is isolated from the diisopropylnaphthalene fraction, while the mono- and tri-isopropylated fractions are recycled back into the process to improve efficiency and reduce waste
ChEBI: 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene is a member of the class of napthalenes that is naphthalene which is substituted by an isopropyl group at positions 2 and 6. It is a plant growth regulator which inhibits the sprouting of potatoes during storage. It has a role as a plant growth retardant and an agrochemical.
Clear yellowish brown liquid with a faint sweet odor.
Vigorous reactions, sometimes amounting to explosions, can result from the contact between aromatic hydrocarbons, such as 2,6-DIISOPROPYLNAPHTHALENE, 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. Friedel-Crafts acylation of naphthalene using benzoyl chloride, catalyzed by AlCl3, must be conducted above the melting point of the mixture, or the reaction may be violent [Clar, E. et al., Tetrahedron, 1974, 30, 3296].
Exposure can cause irritation of eyes, nose and throat.
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Irritating vapors and toxic gases, such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, may be formed when involved in fire.
Flammability and Explosibility
Not classified
Releases volatile compound dimethylnaphthalene which causes sprout inhibitory activity
