Ethyltoluene

Ethyltolune describes organic compounds with the formula CH3C6H4CH2CH3. 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 ring bears two substituents: a methyl group and an ethyl group.

Production and reactions
Ethyltoluenes are prepared by alkylation of toluene with ethylene:
 * CH3C6H5 + CH2\dCH2  ->  CH3C6H4CH2CH3

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

3- and 4-Ethyltoluenes are mainly of interest as precursors to methylstyrenes:
 * CH3C6H4CH2CH3 -> CH3C6H4CH\dCH2  +  H2

This dehydrogenation is conducted in the presence of zinc oxide catalysts.