Ethylbenzene (C8H10) is an organic compound with a sweet odor. It’s used as a solvent in various industries, including plastics and rubber. It can also be found in gasoline and is a component of some household products.
| IUPAC Name | Ethylbenzene |
| Molecular Formula | C8H10 |
| CAS Number | 100-41-4 |
| Synonyms | Ethylbenzol, EB, Phenylethane, Ethyl phenyl, 2-phenylethane, alpha-methyltoluene, 1-phenylethane, Etilbenzene, styrene diluent |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C8H10/c1-2-8-6-4-3-5-7-8/h3-7H,2H2,1H3 |
Ethylbenzene Properties
Ethylbenzene Formula
The molecular formula for ethylbenzene is C8H10, which means it consists of eight carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms. The chemical structure of ethylbenzene has a benzene ring attached to an ethyl group.
Ethylbenzene Molar Mass
The molar mass of C8H10 is 106.17 g/mol. This is calculated by adding up the atomic masses of all the atoms in one molecule of C8H10.
Ethylbenzene Boiling Point
The boiling point of C8H10 is 136.2 °C (277.2 °F). This is the temperature at which the liquid form of C8H10 turns into a gas. C8H10 has a relatively low boiling point compared to other aromatic hydrocarbons, which makes it useful as a solvent in various industries.
Ethylbenzene Melting Point
The melting point of C8H10 is -95.2 °C (-139.4 °F). This is the temperature at which the solid form of C8H10 turns into a liquid. C8H10 has a relatively low melting point compared to other aromatic hydrocarbons, which makes it useful as a starting material for the production of other chemicals.
Ethylbenzene Density g/mL
The density of C8H10 is 0.867 g/mL at 20 °C (68 °F). This means that one milliliter of C8H10 weighs 0.867 grams at this temperature. C8H10 is less dense than water, which means it will float on top of the water if the two liquids are mixed.
Ethylbenzene Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of C8H10 is 106.17 g/mol. This is the mass of one molecule of C8H10, which can be calculated by adding up the atomic masses of all the atoms in the molecule.
Ethylbenzene Structure
The structure of C8H10 consists of a benzene ring attached to an ethyl group. The ethyl group is attached to one of the carbon atoms in the benzene ring. This structure is also known as phenylethane.
Ethylbenzene Solubility
C8H10 is insoluble in water but is soluble in organic solvents such as alcohols, ethers, and chloroform. This means that C8H10 will not dissolve in water, but it will dissolve in other liquids that have similar chemical properties. The solubility of C8H10 in various solvents depends on factors such as temperature, pressure, and the chemical properties of the solvent.
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.867 g/mL at 20°C |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Sweet aroma |
| Molar Mass | 106.17 g/mol |
| Density | 0.867 g/mL at 20°C |
| Melting Point | -95.2°C (-139.4°F) |
| Boiling Point | 136.2°C (277.2°F) |
| Flash Point | 11.1°C (52°F) |
| Water Solubility | 0.30 g/L at 20°C |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents such as alcohols, ethers, and chloroform |
| Vapour Pressure | 10.7 mmHg at 20°C |
| Vapour Density | 3.7 |
| pKa | 10.17 |
| pH | Not applicable |
Ethylbenzene Safety and Hazards
C8H10 can be hazardous if proper precautions are not taken during its handling and use. It is classified as a flammable liquid and can ignite if exposed to heat or flame. C8H10 can also be harmful if it is inhaled or ingested. Exposure to high concentrations of C8H10 can cause dizziness, headaches, and respiratory irritation. Long-term exposure to C8H10 has been associated with damage to the liver and kidneys. Safety measures should be taken when working with C8H10, such as wearing protective clothing and gloves, working in well-ventilated areas, and storing it in a secure, cool, and dry location.
| Hazard Symbols | Flammable, Harmful |
| Safety Description | Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames and hot surfaces. Use explosion-proof equipment. Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray. Wash thoroughly after handling. |
| UN IDs | UN 1175 |
| HS Code | 2902.90.20 |
| Hazard Class | 3 (Flammable liquids) |
| Packing Group | II (Medium Danger) |
| Toxicity | Ethylbenzene is considered to be a moderate toxic substance. It can cause eye and skin irritation, respiratory problems, and nervous system damage if exposure is prolonged or at high concentrations. |
Ethylbenzene Synthesis Methods
The most commonly used method for synthesizing C8H10 is the catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylcyclohexane. This process involves heating a mixture of ethylcyclohexane and hydrogen gas over a catalyst at high temperatures, which causes the hydrogen atoms to separate from the ethyl group, resulting in the formation of C8H10.
Another method for synthesizing C8H10 involves the alkylation of benzene with ethylene gas. This reaction requires a catalyst, typically aluminum chloride, and results in the formation of C8H10 and hydrogen chloride as a byproduct.
An alternative method for producing C8H10 involves the reaction of benzene with ethyl chloride in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst, such as aluminum chloride. This process results in the formation of C8H10 and hydrogen chloride as a byproduct.
Besides the mentioned methods, researchers are also developing newer methods for synthesizing C8H10, such as using ionic liquids as a solvent for ethylene alkylation of benzene. These methods have the potential to offer advantages in terms of efficiency and environmental sustainability. However, they are not yet in widespread industrial use.
Ethylbenzene Uses
C8H10 has several important uses in various industries. Some of its major uses are:
- Production of styrene: The production of styrene, which is used to make a variety of plastics, resins, and synthetic rubber, relies on C8H10 as a key intermediate.
- Solvent: Commonly used as a solvent for a variety of applications, including inks, coatings, adhesives, and cleaning products.
- Fuel additive: Added to gasoline to improve its octane rating, which can improve engine performance.
- Chemical intermediate: Used as a starting material for the synthesis of other chemicals, such as phenylethanol and diethylbenzene.
- Polymer production: Used in the production of various types of polymers, such as polystyrene and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resins.
- Agriculture: Also used as a pesticide and herbicide.
- Medical applications: Used as a local anesthetic, as well as a solvent for pharmaceuticals.
Questions:
Q: How many signals would you expect to see in the 1H NMR spectrum for ethylbenzene?
A: The 1H NMR spectrum for C8H10 would have four signals: two for the protons on the benzene ring (which would appear as a doublet) and two for the protons on the ethyl group (which would appear as a triplet).
Q: What proportions of benzene and ethylbenzene should be mixed?
A: The proportions of benzene and C8H10 that should be mixed depend on the desired concentration of C8H10 in the mixture. The ratio of benzene to C8H10 can range from 10:1 to 1:1, depending on the application.
Q: What is the nitration of ethylbenzene?
A: The nitration of C8H10 involves the reaction of C8H10 with a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid, resulting in the introduction of one or more nitro groups onto the benzene ring of C8H10. This reaction is commonly used in the production of industrial chemicals such as nitrobenzene and phenylethylamines.
Q: Is ethylbenzene polar?
A: C8H10 is a nonpolar compound due to the benzene ring’s symmetrical structure, which cancels out any polarity from the ethyl group. As a result, C8H10 has low water solubility and is typically soluble in nonpolar solvents such as hexane and toluene.
Q: How to get from ethylbenzene to styrene?
A: C8H10 can be converted to styrene through the dehydrogenation process, which involves the removal of two hydrogen atoms from the ethyl group using a catalyst such as iron oxide or chromium oxide. This process results in the formation of styrene and hydrogen gas as a byproduct. The resulting styrene can then be purified and used in the production of various industrial materials such as plastics, resins, and synthetic rubber.