4-tert-Butyltoluene is a clear liquid you often see on invoices or labels for specialty chemicals. Its structure stands out in organic chemistry, with a methyl group and a bulky tert-butyl group on a benzene ring. People often ask about its specifics. This compound comes with a molecular formula of C11H16 and a molecular weight of about 148.25 g/mol. I have seen it classified under HS Code 2902.29, marking it out as an aromatic hydrocarbon featuring a mix of methyl and tert-butyl. This physical structure alone changes how it behaves in solvents and mixtures, shifting how manufacturers look at chemical properties for tasks like making specialty resins or surfactants.
You can spot 4-tert-Butyltoluene thanks to its aromatic, often faintly sweet odor. Most suppliers deliver it as a colorless liquid, though it can solidify as temperature drops. It holds a density around 0.86 g/cm3 at 20°C and a melting point of 17-19°C, so you sometimes see it in crystal form if storage isn’t warm enough. Its boiling point climbs to about 221-224°C. Anyone handling it indoors knows it moves between states easily: in the drum at the plant, it might settle into a thick, oily liquid or form solid flakes, depending on the time of year. That makes storage and shipping a real consideration, especially when you need a consistent liquid stream for chemical processes. It is practically insoluble in water but mixes well with most common organic solvents. Workers handling solutions of 4-tert-Butyltoluene often comment on its stubborn, oily texture and the care needed to keep barrels sealed, as it can evaporate slowly over time.
This molecule’s backbone is a benzene ring with a tert-butyl and a methyl sticking off at the para-positions. Its stability in the face of moderate heat and air comes from this structure, which resists easy oxidation and breakdown. I have seen its reactivity profile stuck up in lab manuals, showing low tendencies for unwanted polymerization or rapid decomposition under typical plant conditions. In practical work, this means accidents don’t come in the form of runaway reactions, but more from careless storage with strong oxidizers or acids. Most reports say to keep it away from ignition sources, since it’s flammable, and avoid storing it near peroxides or nitric acid, just as with most organic solvents.
Commercial 4-tert-Butyltoluene arrives in liquid drums, small bottles, or bulk tankers. Depending on the application, you might ask for higher purity grades, since trace impurities can affect downstream reactions. Purity runs typically between 98% and 99.5% for chemical synthesis. Labs testing these drums usually focus on density, boiling point, and color index. Though producers can deliver flakes, powder, or even pearls if requested, liquid form prevails because it’s easier to pump or measure for chemical production. My experience says to double-check spec sheets for details on residual solvents, especially if working on sensitive end uses like pharmaceuticals or high-grade lubricants, where impurities cause trouble.
Any chemical handler recognizes the need for protection against skin and eye contact with aromatic hydrocarbons, and 4-tert-Butyltoluene lines up with that pattern. Breathing in vapors risks irritation to the nose and throat, but the biggest everyday risk comes from accidental spillage or vapor getting into eyes or onto hands. The safety data says to wear chemical goggles and gloves and to work in a well-ventilated area or with good extraction. Long-term exposure or high concentrations can lead to headaches, dizziness or, if ingested or absorbed, more serious nervous system effects. Spilled product tends to make floors slippery; I have seen near-misses where boots lose traction near transfer pumps. Fire risk is real, especially when open drums stand close to welding or other hot work; the flash point is around 74°C, so it ignites easier than water but not as easily as paint thinner.
Manufacturers draw on crude oil derivatives to produce 4-tert-Butyltoluene as it rolls through multi-step alkylation and distillation units. Many operations feed it directly into resin production, adhesives, and as an intermediate for making specialty chemicals. It crops up in the world of polymer additives, where its bulky groups change how finished plastics behave. Some companies use it in lubricants or as a starting block for antioxidants and UV stabilizers. The realities of chemical production stress the importance of steady supply lines and reliable quality. Sourcing from reputable suppliers helps avoid unwanted contaminants; I’ve seen production lines grind to a halt from a bad batch, showing how raw material purity drives downstream reliability.
Real improvements in chemical safety come from strong training and smart design, not just relying on protective gear alone. Engineers can set up better ventilation, closed transfer systems, and leak detection to make working with aromatic liquids safer. Substitution remains hard—once a product fits into a reaction step, finding an alternative isn’t fast or easy. But greener solvents or less hazardous alkylbenzenes sometimes take some of the market, supported by tighter regulations and health standards. Waste handling grows in importance as workers and neighbors push for fewer emissions and less pollution. From what I’ve seen, tracking and containing aromatic hydrocarbons pays off in lower insurance and fewer accidents over the long haul.
