Cymene

Cymene describes organic compounds with the formula CH3C6H4CH(CH3)2. Three isomers exist: 1,2- 1,3-, and 1,4-. All are colorless liquids, immiscible in water, with similar boiling points. They are classified are aromatic hydrocarbons. The bearing two substituents: an isopropyl (CH(CH3)2) group and a methyl group.

Production and reactions
m- and p-Cymene are prepared by alkylation of toluene with propylene:
 * CH3C6H5 + 2 CH3CH\dCH2  ->  CH3C6H4CH(CH3)2

These alkylations are catalyzed by various Lewis acids, such as aluminium trichloride.

m- and p-Cymene are mainly of interest as precursors to the respective cresols, which exploits the Hock rearrangements.