Chemical methods for distinguishing ethylstyrylbenzene

In the chemical industry, ethylbenzene (C6H5CH3) and vinylbenzene (C6H5CH = CH2) are two common organic compounds. Although they are very similar in molecular structure, they have significant differences in many properties. This paper will analyze in detail how to distinguish these two substances by chemical methods from the aspects of physical and chemical properties, synthetic routes and structural characteristics.

Introduction of 1. substances

ethylbenzene and vinylbenzene are aromatic compounds, which belong to the homologs of xylene. Ethylbenzene has the formula C6H5CH3 and vinylbenzene has the formula C6H5CH = CH2. The difference between the two is mainly reflected in the structure: ethylbenzene molecule contains a methyl group (CH3), while vinyl benzene molecule contains a vinyl group (CH = CH2).

Comparison of physical and chemical properties of 2.

1. solubility and density

• ethylbenzene is a colorless liquid at room temperature, with a density of about 0 immiscible with water, slightly higher than water.
• Vinyl benzene is a colorless liquid with a density of about 0.94 and is immiscible with water.

1. Solubility

• the solubility of ethylbenzene in water is small, but it has good compatibility and compatibility.
• The solubility of vinyl benzene is slightly higher than that of ethylbenzene, but it still maintains a certain stratified state with water.

1. Chemical properties

• ethylbenzene has certain flammability, but high stability.
• Ethylene benzene due to containing double bonds, relatively ethylbenzene is more prone to addition reaction.

3. synthesis route analysis

although the synthetic routes of ethylbenzene and vinylbenzene are similar, there are also significant differences:

1. synthesis of ethylbenzene

• it is usually obtained by the addition reaction of benzene and ethylene under the action of a catalyst.
• High pressure and high temperature conditions are usually used in the synthesis process, and the ratio of reactants needs to be strictly controlled to avoid side reactions.

1. Synthesis of Ethylene Benzene

• it is usually obtained by hydrogenation reaction of ethylene and benzene under catalyst.
• Compared with ethylbenzene, higher temperature and pressure conditions are required in the synthesis process of vinylbenzene.

4. structural characteristics analysis

1. molecular structure

• the structure of ethylbenzene is a methyl group on the benzene ring, which has certain stability.
• The structure of vinyl benzene is a vinyl group on the benzene ring, which has a stronger unsaturated π bond, making it more active.

1. reactivity

• ethylbenzene is less reactive and is usually used as a solvent or base material.
• The reaction activity of vinyl benzene is higher, because of the existence of its double bond, it is easier to participate in various chemical reactions.

5. identification method

1. solubility test

• water was added to the sample to be tested and observed for delamination. If there is a clear two-phase layer, it is ethylene benzene; if there is no layer, it may be ethyl benzene.

1. color reaction

• using acidic potassium permanganate solution, vinyl benzene will react with the double bond color, showing purple.
• This reaction does not occur with ethylbenzene.

1. Chemical Reaction Testing

• NaOH solution and ethanol were added to the two substances, shaken and allowed to stand. Ethylbenzene reacts with ethanol to produce a characteristic odor; ethylbenzene does not.

6. Application Areas

1. application of ethylbenzene

• mainly used in organic synthesis, such as the production of benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, etc.
• Also used as a solvent and dehydrating agent.

1. Application of Ethylene Benzene

• commonly used in the production of polyethylene, styrene and other polymer materials.
• Also used as solvents and rubber processing aids.

Through the above analysis, it can be seen that there are obvious differences between ethylbenzene and vinylbenzene in physical properties, synthetic routes and structural characteristics. Mastering these chemical methods helps professionals to accurately distinguish and apply these two substances in practical work.