[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, toxicity of diisopropylbenzene

Properties of diisopropylbenzene

Diisopropylbenzene (Chemical Abstracts Service number: 100-18-5, referred to as DIPB) is an important organic compound, its chemical formula is C12H18. It is the product of two hydrogen atoms of benzene are replaced by two isopropyl groups, so it is also called 1,4-diisopropyl benzene. DIPB is a colorless transparent liquid with low volatility and a certain viscosity. It has a density of 0.853g/cm³, a boiling point of 231-232°C and a melting point of -42.2°C. Due to the presence of two bulky isopropyl substituents in the molecule, DIPB has high chemical stability and can resist the attack of a variety of chemical reagents.

Use of diisopropylbenzene

The main use of dicumyl is as an intermediate in organic synthesis. Due to the specific arrangement of substituents in its structure, DIPB can be used to synthesize a variety of specialty chemicals, such as antioxidants, polymer stabilizers and surfactants. In the plastics and rubber industry, DIPB is used as a raw material for the production of antioxidants, which can effectively extend the service life of materials. DIPB is also used in the pharmaceutical industry as a precursor for some drug molecules. Its low toxicity and relatively mild chemical properties make it ideal for many synthetic reactions.

Upstream raw materials

The upstream raw materials for the production of diisopropylbenzene mainly include benzene and isopropene. As one of the most basic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene is widely present in petrochemical products. Isopropene is an important petrochemical product, which is commonly used in the synthesis of various chemicals due to its active double bond structure. In the actual industrial production, benzene and isopropene are synthesized by Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction. This process usually requires the use of aluminum chloride as a catalyst to facilitate the reaction and increase the yield. The reaction conditions need to be strictly controlled to avoid the formation of by-products.

Downstream Products

The downstream products of dicumyl mainly include various antioxidants and polymer additives. In particular, diisopropylbenzoquinone (DIBQ), the oxidation product of diisopropylbenzene, is a key precursor for many highly effective antioxidants. DIBQ can be further converted to a variety of compounds with specific functions, such as the antioxidant BHT (butylated diisopropylphenyl ether). These antioxidants are widely used in food packaging, plastic products and rubber products to prevent the degradation of materials under the action of light, heat and oxygen, thereby extending their service life and stability.

Production process and equipment

The production of dicumyl involves a complex process and high-precision equipment. The typical production method is by Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction of benzene and isopropene under the catalysis of aluminum chloride. The reaction is usually carried out at high temperature and high pressure to ensure high reaction rate and yield. The product after the reaction needs to go through a series of separation and purification steps, including distillation and rectification, to obtain high purity dicumyl. The whole process needs to strictly control the reaction conditions and operating parameters to ensure product quality and production safety.

storage method

The storage of dicumyl requires attention to fire and explosion prevention because it is a flammable liquid. DIPB should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from fire and heat sources. Storage containers shall be made of corrosion resistant materials such as stainless steel or special alloys and shall be well sealed to prevent leakage and evaporation. Due to its good chemical stability, DIPB can maintain stability for a long time under appropriate storage conditions, but it is still necessary to regularly check the integrity and tightness of the storage container to prevent quality changes caused by long-term storage.

Environmental Protection and Safety

Environmental protection and safety are two important considerations in the production and use of dicumyl. Due to the low toxicity of DIPB, the main environmental protection problems in the production process come from the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and waste disposal. Enterprises need to establish a complete exhaust gas treatment system and wastewater treatment system to ensure that emissions meet national environmental protection standards. Operators should be equipped with appropriate protective equipment, such as protective gloves and goggles, to prevent skin contact and eye irritation. Production equipment and storage facilities shall be equipped with fire and explosion-proof devices to prevent accidents.

Market Prospects

With the continuous development of the chemical industry and the expansion of downstream applications, the market demand for diisopropylbenzene has shown a steady growth trend. Especially in the development of high-performance materials and new antioxidants, DIPB has broad application prospects. In the future, with the increasingly stringent environmental protection laws and regulations and the continuous progress of technology, the application of green production process and efficient separation technology will further improve the production efficiency and product quality of diisopropylbenzene, so as to meet the market demand for high quality chemical products.

Conclusion

As an important organic compound, diisopropylbenzene has a wide range of uses and good market prospects. Its production involves complex processes and strict condition control, and it is necessary to pay attention to fire and explosion protection and environmental protection during storage and use. With the progress of science and technology and the change of market demand, diisopropylbenzene will show its unique value in more fields and become an indispensable part of the chemical industry.