Durene is a noun that refers to a chemical compound and also a common name for its isomers. As a compound, durene is usually referred to as 1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene, which consists of a benzene ring with four methyl groups attached at positions 1, 2, 4, and 5. It has a molecular formula of C12H16 and a molecular weight of 160.26 grams per mole. Durene is a colorless liquid with a sweet aromatic odor and a melting point of around -20 °C.
Durene is mainly used in the production of polymers, resins, and plastics due to its excellent solubility and compatibility with various organic solvents. It is often employed as a precursor in the synthesis of other organic compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, dyes, and flavors. Additionally, durene is utilized as an intermediate in the production of high-performance materials like heat-resistant fibers, adhesives, and coatings.
Moreover, durene exists as two different isomers, the ortho-durene and para-durene, which differ in the positioning of the methyl groups on the benzene ring. The ortho-durene isomer has the methyl groups at positions 1, 3, 4, and 5, while the para-durene isomer has the methyl groups at positions 1, 2, 5, and 6. These two isomers exhibit slightly different chemical properties and reactivity, thus finding different applications in various industries.
