1,3-Diethylbenzene
[CAS# 141-93-5]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Hydrocarbon compounds and their derivatives >> Aromatic hydrocarbon
• Name: 1,3-Diethylbenzene
• Synonyms: m-Diethylbenzene
• Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₄
• Molecular Weight: 134.22
• CAS Registry Number: 141-93-5
• EC Number: 205-511-4
• SMILES: CCC1=CC(=CC=C1)CC

Properties

• Density: 0.9±0.1 g/cm³, Calc.^*, 0.864 g/mL (Expl.)
• Index of Refraction: 1.497, Calc.^*, 1.496 (Expl.)
• Melting point: -83.9 °C (Expl.)
• Boiling Point: 181.7±10.0 °C (760 mmHg), Calc.^*, 182 °C (Expl.)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS02;GHS07;GHS08;GHS09 Danger
• Risk Statements: H226-H304-H315-H319-H335-H411
• Safety Statements: P210-P233-P240-P241-P242-P243-P261-P264-P264+P265-P271-P273-P280-P301+P316-P302+P352-P303+P361+P353-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P321-P331-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P370+P378-P391-P403+P233-P403+P235-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	3	H226
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Aspiration hazard	Asp. Tox.	1	H304

• Transport Information: UN 2049

Discovery and Applications

1,3-Diethylbenzene, also known as meta-diethylbenzene, is an aromatic hydrocarbon with the molecular formula C₁₀H₁₄. It consists of a benzene ring substituted with two ethyl groups at the 1 and 3 positions. As one of the three isomeric forms of diethylbenzene, it appears as a colorless liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor and is relatively insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents.

The compound is typically produced through the ethylation of benzene using ethylene in the presence of a catalyst such as aluminum chloride or zeolite. The reaction yields a mixture of ortho-, meta-, and para-diethylbenzene isomers, which are then separated by fractional distillation or other purification methods. The meta-isomer, 1,3-diethylbenzene, is isolated based on its distinct boiling point and other physical properties.

1,3-Diethylbenzene finds use primarily as a chemical intermediate in organic synthesis. Its aromatic ring, substituted with two ethyl groups, serves as a stable framework for further functionalization. The compound is used in the development of substituted benzenes, where electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions are commonly employed. It is also involved in the production of specialty chemicals, including certain dyes, polymers, and additives.

In the petrochemical industry, diethylbenzenes serve as precursors in the synthesis of styrenic and other polymeric materials. While 1,3-diethylbenzene itself is not as widely used as some related compounds, it contributes to the formulation of high-boiling solvents and heat transfer fluids. Its thermal stability and favorable physical characteristics make it a suitable component in such systems.

From an analytical perspective, 1,3-diethylbenzene is utilized as a reference standard in chromatographic techniques, particularly in gas chromatography, to help identify and quantify alkylbenzene components in complex mixtures. It can also appear as a constituent in fuel and lubricant formulations, and its presence is monitored in environmental testing related to petroleum product contamination.

1,3-Diethylbenzene is a well-characterized compound within the class of alkylbenzenes, offering value in both synthetic chemistry and industrial applications due to its structural simplicity, reactivity, and physicochemical properties.

References

2024. Health Risk Assessment of Exposure to BTEX and PAH Compounds in Workers of Burnt Oil Recycling Factory: Simulation Using Monte Carlo Method. Environmental Processes, 11(3).
DOI: 10.1007/s40710-024-00703-9

2023. Process-specific volatile organic compounds emission characteristics, environmental impact and health risk assessments of the petrochemical industry in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Environmental science and pollution research international, 30(60).
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31351-5

2023. Fuelling phytoremediation: gasoline degradation by green wall systems-a case study. Environmental science and pollution research international, 30(55).
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30634-1