INTRODUCTION

Cumene (C6H5C3H7) is the common name for isopropyl benzene. Its IUPAC name known as
(1-methyl)benzene. Cumene is an organic compound that is an aromatic hydrocarbon. It is a
constituent of crude oil and refined fuels. It is a flammable colourless liquid that has a boiling
point of 152oC. Nearly all the cymene is produced as a pure compound on industrial scale is
converted to cumene hyro-peroxide, which is an intermediate in the synthesis of other
industrially important chemicals such as phenol and acetone. Cumene is produced by
reacting propylene and benzene over an acid catalyst. Cumene may be used to increase the
octane in gasoline, but its primary use is as a feedstock for manufacturing phenol and
acetone.

Figure 1.1 Structural formula of Cumene

HISTORY OF CUMENE
Preparation of cumene was first described in 1841 when Gerhardt and Cahours obtained it
by distilling cumic acid with lime. The use of aluminium chloride to alkylate benzene was
reported by Radziewanowski in 1892. Before the development of the cumene route to
phenol and acetone, cumene had been used extensively during World War II as a fuel
additive to improve the performance of aircraft piston engines. For Phenol and acetone, methylstyrene, diisopropylbenzene, or acetophenone although these cumene derivative
compounds are of considerable commercial importance. Currently, over 80% of all cumene
is produced by using zeolite based processes. Early processes using zeolite based catalyst
system were developed in the late 1980s. (Y.V.C.Rao, 2005).

USES OF CUMENE
1. Minor amount of cumene is used as a thinner for paints, enamels and lacquers and
to produce acetophenone,
2.
3.
4.
5.

the chemical intermediate dicumylperoxide and

diisopropyl benzene.
Used as a solvent for fats and raisins.
Used as fuel and fuel additives
Adhesives and sealant chemicals
Ion exchange agents