isopropylsubstituted

Isopropylsubstituted refers to a chemical compound that carries an isopropyl group as a substituent attached to a parent structure. The isopropyl group, also called propan-2-yl, has the structure -CH(CH3)2 and connects to the rest of the molecule through the central carbon of the group. As a substituent, it contributes a secondary alkyl fragment to the molecule, influencing steric properties and hydrophobic character.

Nomenclature and naming conventions follow established IUPAC guidelines. The preferred substituent name is propan-2-yl, but the traditional term isopropyl- remains common in everyday usage. For example, isopropylbenzene is commonly called cumene, and its systematic name is propan-2-ylbenzene. The descriptor can apply across chemical families, including isopropyl-substituted arenes, alkanes, ethers, esters, and alcohols, among others.

Contexts and synthesis: Isopropyl substitution is widespread in organic synthesis. It can be introduced via Friedel–Crafts alkylation or through reactions that generate a propan-2-yl fragment, depending on the substrate and desired connectivity. The presence of an isopropyl group tends to increase steric bulk and hydrophobicity, affecting reactivity, selectivity, boiling points, and solubility of the resulting compound. In industry, cumene (isopropylbenzene) is a notable example, serving as an intermediate in the production of phenol and acetone through the cumene process.

See also: propan-2-yl, cumene, isopropyl group.