3methylcyclohexene

3-Methylcyclohexene is a cyclic alkene with the chemical formula C7H12. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature. As a derivative of cyclohexene, it features a six-membered ring containing one double bond and a methyl group attached to the third carbon atom relative to the double bond. This molecule exists as a pair of stereoisomers, cis and trans, due to the restricted rotation around the double bond and the presence of chiral centers. However, typically, it refers to the mixture of isomers unless specified otherwise.

The chemical properties of 3-methylcyclohexene are characteristic of alkenes. The double bond is susceptible to electrophilic addition reactions, such as hydrogenation, halogenation, and hydrohalogenation. These reactions can lead to the formation of various substituted cyclohexane derivatives. The presence of the methyl group influences the regioselectivity of some reactions, following Markovnikov's rule in certain additions. It is typically synthesized through dehydration reactions of corresponding alcohols or dehydrohalogenation of alkyl halides. Due to its unsaturated nature, it can also undergo polymerization reactions. 3-Methylcyclohexene finds use as a solvent and as an intermediate in the synthesis of other organic compounds.