Overview
Trimethylbenzene (TMB) is a group of aromatic hydrocarbons consisting of three methyl groups attached to a benzene ring. The three primary isomers—1,2,3-trimethylbenzene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene—are commonly referred to as pseudocumene. These compounds are colorless liquids with a mild aromatic odor and are widely used in industrial applications due to their solvent properties and chemical stability. Trimethylbenzene is produced through the alkylation of toluene or xylene and is often found in petroleum streams. Its isomers vary slightly in physical properties but share similar chemical behaviors. The 1,2,4-isomer is the most commercially significant due to its balanced properties and widespread use in resin production and as a solvent.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Trimethylbenzene isomers exhibit high boiling points (165-176°C) and low melting points (-25°C to -44°C), making them suitable for applications requiring moderate volatility. Their density ranges from 0.86 to 0.89 g/cm³, depending on the isomer. These compounds are insoluble in water but readily mix with most organic solvents, including alcohols, ethers, and hydrocarbons. Chemically, trimethylbenzene is stable under normal conditions but can undergo reactions typical of aromatic hydrocarbons, such as nitration, sulfonation, and halogenation. Its solvent power is comparable to xylene, but it offers lower volatility, making it preferable for certain coatings and adhesive formulations.
Main Applications
Trimethylbenzene is primarily used as a solvent in paints, coatings, and adhesives due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of resins and polymers. It is also a key intermediate in the production of trimellitic anhydride (TMA), which is used to manufacture high-performance plastics and polyester resins. In the petrochemical industry, trimethylbenzene serves as a fuel additive to improve octane ratings. Additionally, it is employed in the synthesis of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. The 1,3,5-isomer is particularly valued in the production of mesitylene, a precursor to specialty chemicals.
Safety and Storage
Trimethylbenzene is flammable and should be stored in tightly sealed containers away from heat sources and open flames. Proper ventilation is essential to prevent the accumulation of vapors, which can be harmful if inhaled. Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and goggles, should be used when handling the chemical to avoid skin and eye irritation. Spills should be contained using inert absorbents and disposed of in accordance with local regulations. In case of exposure, seek fresh air and medical attention if symptoms persist. Always refer to the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for detailed handling and emergency procedures.
B2B Procurement Guide
When procuring trimethylbenzene, industrial buyers should verify the isomer composition and purity, as these factors significantly impact performance in specific applications. Packaging options include bulk shipments in tankers or drums, depending on volume requirements. Quality certifications, such as ISO or ASTM compliance, should be confirmed to ensure product consistency. Prices vary based on market demand and isomer ratios, with 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene typically commanding a premium due to its broader utility. Establish long-term supplier relationships to secure favorable terms and reliable supply chains.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：乙二醇
- 主营：正辛醇、十一烯醛
- 主营：苯乙烯、二甲苯、正丙醇、三甲苯、催化剂、二乙胺、氯丙烯、巴豆醛、石油醚、防冻剂、壬基酚、乙二醇、戊二醛、异辛醇、清洗剂、丙烯酸、漂白剂、甲缩醛、氯化锌、冰醋酸、异丙醇、溶剂油、异丁醇、工业酒精、金属除锈、防结皮剂
- 主营：三甲苯、碳酸丙烯酯、乙二醇二醋酸酯、油漆油墨稀释剂
- 主营：食用酒精、甲醇、无水乙醇、三甲苯、异丙醇、食用乙醇、乙醇、二价酸酯、二丙酮醇、醋酸正丙酯、异丙醇IPA、醋酸仲丁酯、无水乙醇高纯度、95%乙醇、丙二醇甲醚、环已烷、环已酮、混丁醇、丙三醇、轻质白油、工业乙醇、磺酸、二乙二醇丁醚DB、正己烷、正丁醇
- 主营：增塑剂、二甲基亚砜、顺酐、国标染料、环丁砜、二甲基二硫醚、赋臭剂、四氢噻吩加臭剂、环戊烷、塑化剂、二辛酯、石油醚、异丁醇、氯化苄、叔十二硫醇、硬脂酸钙、树脂涂料、四氢噻吩、化学试剂、氯乙酸、硬脂酸锌、乙二醛、异辛烷、橡胶塑料
- 主营：稀释剂、D40溶剂油、工业级二甲苯、工业级三甲苯、三甲苯 高溶解力、混合芳烃溶剂、工业级四甲苯、工业级异丙醇、色谱级异丙醇、工业级正丁醇、工业级环己酮、环己酮 CYC、油漆稀释剂、油墨稀释剂、有机合成中间体、农药合成中间体、油漆油墨稀释剂、异丁醇、树脂通用原料、涂料染料溶剂、油漆油墨稀释、增塑剂表面活性剂、高纯度工业级四甲苯、航空润滑油、增塑剂
- 主营：碳酸锂、甲缩醛、甲醇、工业酒精、无水乙醇、二氯乙烷、二氯甲烷、苯乙烯、二甲苯、冰醋酸、乙酸乙酯、醋酸甲酯、工业清洗剂洗枪水、洗枪水、东旺化工、工业级碳酸锂、工业碳酸锂、脱漆剂、环保型水性脱漆剂、水性脱漆剂
- 主营：增塑洗涤剂、间二甲苯、乳化剂、三甲苯、防冻液、丙二醇、苯乙烯、溶剂油、钛酸四丁酯、甲醇、乙醇、仲辛醇、异丙醇、85磷酸、碳酸丙烯酯、甲基丙烯酸、丙烯酸羟乙酯、二甲苯、脂肪酸甲酯、甲酸、氨水、丙烯酸、草酸、聚乙二醇
- 主营：120号溶剂油、150号溶剂油、200号溶剂油、三甲苯、D40溶剂油、D60溶剂油、D80溶剂油、D130溶剂油、260号溶剂油、磺化煤油、丙二醇、对甲苯磺酰氯、莫卡、聚乙二醇、正十四烷、异构十二烷、甲基叔丁基醚、铝粉膏、二甲硫基甲苯二胺、二乙基甲苯二胺、石蜡、白油、乙二醇丁醚、硫酸铜、氯化镍、溶剂油
- 主营：二甲苯、乙醇、无水乙醇、三甲苯、异丙醇、白电油、苯乙烯、正丙醇、乙二醇、碳氢清洗剂、醋酸丁酯、醋酸乙酯、乙酸正丙酯、碳酸二甲酯、环已酮、开油水、洗网水、甲基异丁基酮、三氯乙烯、二氯甲烷、二氯乙烷、洗板水、洗枪水、慢干水
- 主营：四氢噻吩、二甲基二硫、一乙醇胺、异辛醇、环丁砜、二甲基亚砜、异丙醚、环己酮、异辛烷、氟硼酸、三乙胺、正庚烷、燕化苯酚、马来酸酐、三乙醇胺、亚硝酸钠、鲁西甲酸、三氧化二锑、3-乙氧基丙胺
- 主营：十六烷基三甲基溴化铵、十二烷基甜菜咸、乳化剂、三甲苯、亚磷酸三丁酯、棕榈油、钛酸四丁酯、钛酸四乙酯
- 主营：三甲苯、清洗剂、水处理、溶剂
- 主营：清洗剂、阻燃剂、稀释剂、润滑剂、丁二醇、固化剂、丙三醇、助焊剂、甲酸钠、三乙二醇、聚乙二醇、纺织助剂、印染助剂、皮革助剂、溶剂涂料、橡胶涂料、涂料油墨、二乙二醇、异氰酸酯、防水乳液、碳酸丙烯酯、定制碳酸钾、碳酸二甲酯、清洗去油剂、塑料增塑剂