4-Isopropyltoluene
[CAS# 99-87-6]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Hydrocarbon compounds and their derivatives >> Hydrocarbon nitrite
• Name: 4-Isopropyltoluene
• Synonyms: 1-Isopropyl-4-methylbenzene; p-Cymene; Dolcymene; p-Isopropyltoluene
• Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₄
• Molecular Weight: 134.22
• CAS Registry Number: 99-87-6
• EC Number: 202-796-7
• FEMA: 2356
• SMILES: CC1=CC=C(C=C1)C(C)C

Properties

• Density: 0.854
• Melting point: -68 °C
• Boiling point: 176-178 °C
• Refractive index: 1.489-1.491
• Flash point: 47 °C
• Water solubility: PRACTICALLY INSOLUBLE

Safety Data

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

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	3	H226
Aspiration hazard	Asp. Tox.	1	H304
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H331
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361f
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H332
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H311
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361fd
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	2	H225
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1A	H317

• Transport Information: UN 2046

Discovery and Applications

4-Isopropyltoluene, commonly known as p-cymene, is a naturally occurring aromatic hydrocarbon with a distinctive odor of turpentine and citrus. P-cymene, commonly known as p-cymene, was first discovered and isolated in the 19th century during the study of essential oils from various plants, particularly cumin (Cuminum cyminum). Chemically, it is classified as a monoterpene, specifically an alkylbenzene, with the molecular formula C10H14. It is a colorless liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor and is slightly soluble in water, but highly soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether.

P-cymene has a pleasant odor, often described as fresh, citrusy and slightly minty. It is used in perfumes, soaps, and detergents to impart a fresh, clean scent. In the food industry, p-cymene is used as a flavor enhancer for a variety of products, including beverages, baked goods, and chewing gum. Its aromatic properties add depth and complexity to the overall flavor.

P-cymene has significant antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is used in pharmaceutical formulations and topical treatments to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. Studies have shown that p-cymene has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it a potential candidate for the development of new analgesic drugs.

Due to its solubility in organic solvents, p-cymene is used as a solvent in various industrial processes, including paint and coating formulations, adhesive production, and cleaning agents. It is a precursor for the synthesis of other chemicals, including antioxidants, synthetic resins, and polymer additives. Its reactivity and versatility make it a valuable intermediate in chemical manufacturing.

p-cymene occurs naturally in plants and essential oils, which makes it a bio-based chemical. Its production and use generally have less impact on the environment than synthetic alternatives.

References

2012. Essential Oils in Food Preservation: Mode of Action, Synergies, and Interactions with Food Matrix Components. Frontiers in Microbiology, 3.
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2012.00012

2010. Assessment of factors influencing antimicrobial activity of carvacrol and cymene against Vibrio cholerae in food. Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering, 110(5).
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2010.06.010

2008. Phytotoxicity of Major Constituents of the Volatile Oil from Leaves of Artemisia scoparia Waldst. & Kit. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences, 63(9-10).
DOI: 10.1515/znc-2008-9-1009