Shandong Huashang Chemical Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise focused on industry of fine chemicals research and develop, produce and sale. Shandong Huashang Chemical Co., Ltd. is located in Shan Dong Ji Nan China. we have the ability to provide you high quality products. More than 90 % of our products are exported to developed countries and regions such as north America, Europe, Japan, South Korea and the Middle East.
1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene
1. Basic Information
Name: 1,2,3,4-Tetramethylbenzene
Alias: Prehnitene, Prehnitol
CAS No.: 488-23-3
Molecular Formula: C10H14
Molecular Weight: 134.22
Category: Aromatic hydrocarbon, C10 heavy aromatic fine chemical raw material
2. Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical Properties
- Appearance: Colorless transparent crystal or waxy solid at room temperature
- Odor: Special aromatic hydrocarbon odor
- Solubility: Soluble in ethanol, acetone, toluene, dichloromethane; insoluble in water
- Melting Range: ?6.2 ~ ?4.8 °C
- Boiling Point: 205–207 °C
- Refractive Index nD20: 1.518–1.522
- Hygroscopy: Non-hygroscopic
- Aqueous Property: Neutral, no ionization in water
Chemical Properties
- Molecular Structure: Benzene ring substituted with four adjacent methyl groups
- Aromatic Electrophilic Substitution: Methyl is electron-donating group, easy to undergo nitration, sulfonation, halogenation, oxidation reactions
- Oxidation Characteristic: Side-chain methyl can be oxidized to carboxylic acid under strong oxidants (KMnO4, dilute nitric acid heating)
- Thermal Stability: Stable under normal temperature; high temperature incomplete combustion produces soot and CO; complete combustion generates CO? and H?O
- Photostability: Slightly sensitive to long-term strong UV irradiation, slight yellowing
- Compatibility: Miscible with all non-polar & weak polar organic solvents; incompatible with strong oxidants, concentrated nitric acid
3. Main Application Fields
1. Fine Chemical Synthetic Intermediate (Core Application)
Oxidized to prehnitic acid, used for polyimide, polyester, high-temperature resistant resin monomer synthesis
2. Fragrance & Dye Intermediate
Raw material for aromatic aldehydes, polycyclic dye parent compounds
3. High Boiling Solvent
High boiling point inert solvent for special coating, printing ink, heat transfer medium auxiliary
4. GC Reference Standard
Standard sample for heavy aromatic hydrocarbon component analysis in petroleum distillate
4. Quality Specification Table
| Test Item | Standard Specification |
| CAS Number | 488-23-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C10H14 |
| Appearance | Colorless transparent crystal, no suspended impurities |
| GC Purity | Synthetic Grade ≥98.0% |
| Water Content (KF) | ≤0.05% |
| Distillation Range | 204–208 °C ≥95% |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤0.01% |
| Single Unknown Impurity | ≤0.30% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤10 ppm |
| Packaging | Galvanized iron drum / stainless steel tank sealed with nitrogen |
| Storage Condition | Hermetically sealed cool warehouse below 25 °C, away from fire, heat source and strong oxidants |
| Transportation Requirement | Flammable aromatic liquid/solid, Class 3 flammable goods, sealed packaging, separated from oxidants |
| Shelf Life | 36 months under sealed nitrogen protection |
Safety Warning
Flammable mild irritant aromatic hydrocarbon. Vapor irritates eyes, nose and respiratory tract; long-term skin contact causes degreasing, dryness and dermatitis. Operation must be in ventilated fume hood with organic vapor respirator, chemical-resistant gloves and goggles. Keep away from open flame, static electricity and oxidants. Fire adopts foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide fire extinguisher; water is ineffective. Waste liquid recovered by rectification; residual waste treated as flammable organic hazardous waste by licensed institutions.
