Mesitylene: An Aromatic Hydrocarbon with Multiple Industrial Uses
Chemical structure and properties of mesitylene
Mesitylene, also known as 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene, is an aromatic hydrocarbon that contains a benzene ring with three methyl substituents attached at the 1, 3, and 5 positions. Chemically, its structure is represented as C9H12 and its molecular formula is C6H3(CH3)3. Some key physical properties of 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene include its boiling point of 165°C, melting point of -47°C and density of 0.86 g/cm3. As an aromatic hydrocarbon, it is colorless, highly flammable and soluble in organic solvents. 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene has a characteristic aromatic odor detectable at high concentrations.
Major Industrial Applications of Mesitylene
Mesitylene finds widespread use in the chemical industry due to its unique structure and properties. Some of its major industrial applications are:
Additive in gasoline - 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene is used as an octane booster in gasoline fuels due to its high research octane number of 99. This helps improve the antiknock properties of gasoline. Typically 0.1-1.0% 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene is blended in gasoline.
Solvent in paints and coatings - Its low volatility and good solvency makes 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene a suitable solvent in paint thinners, paint removers and surface coatings. It dissolves both oil-based and latex paints effectively.
Intermediate in organic synthesis - The methyl substituents on the benzene ring make 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene a versatile chemical intermediate. It is used to produce other useful organic compounds like mesityl oxide, mesitol and trimellitic anhydride through chemical reactions.
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