Etyylibentseeniä

Etyylibentseeni, also known as ethylbenzene, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C6H5CH2CH3. It is an aromatic hydrocarbon and a derivative of benzene, where one hydrogen atom is replaced by an ethyl group. At room temperature, it is a colorless liquid with a characteristic sweet, gasoline-like odor. Etyylibentseeni is primarily used as an intermediate in the production of styrene, which is then used to manufacture polystyrene and other copolymers. This is its main industrial application, accounting for the vast majority of its production.

The production of etyylibentseeni is typically achieved through the alkylation of benzene with ethylene. This process is usually carried out in the presence of a catalyst, such as aluminum chloride or zeolites. Etyylibentseeni can also be found naturally in petroleum and coal tar, but these sources are not significant for industrial supply.

In terms of its physical properties, etyylibentseeni has a boiling point of approximately 136 degrees Celsius and a melting point of around -95 degrees Celsius. It is sparingly soluble in water but miscible with most organic solvents like ethanol and ether. Industrially, it is handled with care due to its flammability. Its environmental fate involves degradation by microorganisms, and it is not considered to be persistent in the environment.