dimethylbenzyl

Dimethylbenzyl refers to a chemical group derived from toluene, also known as methylbenzene, by substituting two hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring with methyl groups. The precise location of these two methyl groups dictates the specific isomer. For example, 1,2-dimethylbenzene is commonly called ortho-xylene, 1,3-dimethylbenzene is meta-xylene, and 1,4-dimethylbenzene is para-xylene. Collectively, these isomers are known as xylenes.

Xylenes are aromatic hydrocarbons with the chemical formula C8H10. They are colorless, flammable liquids with a sweet odor. These compounds are primarily obtained from the fractional distillation of petroleum or coal tar. Dimethylbenzyl groups are fundamental building blocks in organic chemistry and are widely used as solvents in various industrial applications, including the production of paints, lacquers, inks, and adhesives. They also serve as intermediates in the synthesis of other chemicals, such as dyes, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. The specific properties and applications of dimethylbenzyl compounds depend heavily on the arrangement of the methyl groups on the benzene ring.