Ethyltoluene describes organic compounds with the formula CH3C6H4CH2CH3. Three isomers exist: 1,2- 1,3-, and 1,4-. All are colorless liquids, immiscible in water, with similar boiling points. They are classified are aromatic hydrocarbons. The ring bears two substituents: a methyl group and an ethyl group.
Production and reactions Ethyltoluenes are prepared by alkylation of toluene with ethylene:
CH3C6H5 + CH2=CH2 → CH3C6H4CH2CH3 These alkylations are catalyzed by various Lewis acids, such as aluminium trichloride. 3- and 4-Ethyltoluenes are mainly of interest as precursors to methylstyrenes:
CH3C6H4CH2CH3 → CH3C6H4CH=CH2 + H2 This dehydrogenation is conducted in the presence of zinc oxide catalysts.
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