3,4-Diethyl-1-methylcyclohexene Physical and Chemical Properties
3,4-Diethyl-1-methylcyclohexene
Branched cyclohexene hydrocarbon used as a nonpolar building block and analytical reference in chemical R&D and formulation development.
| CAS Number | Not specified for this entry |
| Family | Cycloalkenes |
| Typical Form | Colorless liquid |
| Common Grades | EP |
3,4-Diethyl-1-methylcyclohexene is an alkenic cyclohexane derivative belonging to the substituted cyclohexene structural class. The core scaffold is a six-membered carbocycle containing a single carbon–carbon double bond (cyclohexene) bearing a methyl group at the 1-position and ethyl substituents at the 3- and 4-positions. The molecule is a nonpolar hydrocarbon with no heteroatoms or functional groups that donate or accept hydrogen bonds; topological polar surface area is \(\mathrm{0}\) and hydrogen-bond donor and acceptor counts are both zero. The presence of alkyl substituents adjacent to the ring double bond creates benzylic-like (allylic) positions that are more susceptible to radical and electrophilic oxidative transformations relative to saturated methylene sites.
As an aliphatic monoalkene the compound is chemically neutral under typical acid–base conditions (non-ionizable). Computed lipophilicity (XLogP) is 4, consistent with significant nonpolar character and limited aqueous solubility. Hydrolytic cleavage is not a relevant degradation route; typical environmental and laboratory transformations include autoxidation at allylic positions, addition to the C=C bond (hydrogenation, halogenation, and epoxidation under appropriate conditions), and oxidative cleavage of the double bond under strong oxidative or ozonolytic conditions. Thermal and photochemical radical processes are plausible due to weak allylic C–H bonds.
Common commercial grades reported for this substance include: EP.
Physical Properties
Density and Phase
No experimentally established value for this property is available in the current data context.
Melting Point
No experimentally established value for this property is available in the current data context.
Boiling Point
No experimentally established value for this property is available in the current data context.
Vapor Pressure
No experimentally established value for this property is available in the current data context.
Viscosity
No experimentally established value for this property is available in the current data context.
Chemical Properties
Flammability and Combustion
As a low-polarity alkenic hydrocarbon, 3,4-diethyl-1-methylcyclohexene is combustible and will produce flammable vapor–air mixtures at ambient temperatures when sufficient vapor is present. Combustion yields typical hydrocarbon combustion products (carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, water) and potentially incomplete-combustion products if oxygen is limited. Vapors are likely to be heavier than air and can accumulate in low-lying areas; standard precautions for flammable liquids (elimination of ignition sources, use of grounding and bonding during transfer) apply.
Reactivity and Typical Transformations
The pi bond confers the principal sites of chemical reactivity. Typical transformations include: - Hydrogenation of the C=C to yield the corresponding saturated cyclohexane derivative. - Electrophilic addition (halogenation, hydrohalogenation, hydroboration-oxidation under controlled conditions). - Allylic oxidation and autoxidation to form enones, allylic alcohols or ketones under radical or catalytic oxidative conditions. - Ozonolysis or strong oxidative cleavage of the double bond to produce carbonyl fragments. The molecule contains two unspecified stereogenic centers (undefined atom stereocenter count = 2), so stereochemical outcomes may be significant in asymmetric transformations or when diastereomer separation is required.
Identifiers and Synonyms
Registry Numbers and Codes
- InChI:
InChI=1S/C11H20/c1-4-10-7-6-9(3)8-11(10)5-2/h8,10-11H,4-7H2,1-3H3 - InChIKey:
XMJXKGDBGHSCPK-UHFFFAOYSA-N - SMILES:
CCC1CCC(=CC1CC)C - Molecular formula: \(\ce{C11H20}\)
- Molecular weight: 152.28
- Exact mass: 152.156500638
- Monoisotopic mass: 152.156500638
Additional computed descriptors: XLogP3-AA = 4; Topological Polar Surface Area = 0; Rotatable Bond Count = 2; Complexity = 144; Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count = 2.
Synonyms and Structural Names
- IUPAC name: 3,4-diethyl-1-methylcyclohexene
- Common systematic name used here: 3,4-Diethyl-1-methylcyclohexene
Industrial and Commercial Applications
Use as Solvent or Fuel Component
As a nonpolar monoalkene, the compound has the class-level properties that make alkyl-substituted cycloalkenes useful as nonpolar solvents for hydrophobic organics, intermediates in organic synthesis, or minor blending components in hydrocarbon mixtures. Its low polarity and higher lipophilicity (XLogP = 4) make it suitable for dissolving nonpolar substrates and for use in nonaqueous reaction media when an unsaturated hydrocarbon is acceptable.
Representative Use Scenarios
Representative scenarios include use as a research chemical or synthetic intermediate in laboratories and development settings, nonpolar solvent applications for organic reactions or separations, and as a model hydrocarbon for studies of alkene reactivity (hydrogenation, oxidation, radical chemistry). In practice selection for these roles is driven by its hydrocarbon character, chemical stability toward hydrolysis, and reactivity at the ring double bond.
Safety and Handling Overview
Flammability Hazards
The substance is a flammable hydrocarbon. Control measures appropriate for flammable organic liquids are required: eliminate ignition sources, ensure adequate ventilation, and use explosion-proof equipment where vapors may accumulate. Combustion can generate toxic combustion products such as carbon monoxide; personnel should be protected from inhalation of smoke or decomposition products in fire scenarios.
Storage and Handling Considerations
Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from strong oxidizers and sources of ignition. Use grounded and bonded containers for transfers to prevent static discharge. For routine handling, use appropriate personal protective equipment (chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, lab coat) and engineering controls (local exhaust ventilation). Avoid prolonged skin contact and inhalation of vapors. For detailed hazard, transport and regulatory information, users should refer to the product-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and local legislation.
