INTRODUCTION

Cumene (C9H12) also known as 1-methylethylbenzene, 2-phenylpropane and

isopropylbenzene is an aromatic compound. Aromatic hydrocarbons are compounds of
carbon and hydrogen with a molecular structure based on that of benzene. Although Cumene
is not that well known by and average person, it is one of the most crucial petrochemical
products in the chemical and the polymer industry. Cumene is generally used as a primary
raw material in the synthesis of other organic compounds, such as phenol, acetone,
acetophenone, and methyl styrene, and as a thinner for paints and lacquers.
(Encyclopedia.com, 2019).

Cumene are generally manufactured by reacting propylene with benzene over an acidic
catalyst in liquid state. This reaction is commonly known as the alkylation reaction. In
history, cumene was initially synthesized in large quantities during the world war II period as
an aviation gasoline. Cumene has a high octane number and high heating value but it has
been found that it does not economically competitive as fuel. So because of this production of
cumene was considered a dull business for many years till it was found its useful for two
main reasons. Firstly, due to the increasing demand of phenol in the manufacturing of
polycarbonate which resulted in the broadening applications of polycarbonates in electronic,
healthcare and automobiles industries. The second reason was due to successful development
and as well as commercialization of zeolite-based alkylation technology for the
isopropylation of benzene to cumene has replaced the older processes which is based on solid
phosphoric acid and aluminum chloride. So in short the discovery of the new alkylation
process has led to mass production of cumene. (Hwang and Chen, 2010).

Applications

In general, almost 98% of the cumene produced in the world is used as an intermediate for
the synthesis of phenol and acetone. These two chemicals are widely used in manufacturing
of various forms of plastics. cumene by itself is not normally sold for consumer use.
(ChemicalSafetyFacts.org, 2019).

Phenol synthesized from cumene is used for bisphenol-A employed in making epoxy resins
and polycarbonates. Other uses of phenol includes for phenolic resins to bond construction
materials like plywood and composition board, to synthesize caprolactam, the starting
material for nylon-6, and for alkylphenols and others. Next, cumene is also used to produce
acetone which will be used to produce methyl methacrylate followed by bisphenol A and
solvent. Acetone has been used as solvent mainly due to its removal from the U.S.
government’s Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) list. Besides, cumene is also used to
produce a-Methylstyrene which is a key component is manufacturing of plasticizers. (Hwang
and Chen, 2010).

Other application of cumene includes as a thinner for paints, lacquers, and enamels and as
a component of high octane fuels. (Epa.gov, 1992). Last but not least cumene is also used to
produce acetophenone, dicumylperoxide, and DIPB and is a good solvent for fats and resins.
Due to these benefits cumene has been suggested as a substitute for benzene in numerous
industrial applications. (Hwang and Chen, 2010).

Storage and handling

Cumene are generally stored as cumene hydroperoxide. The precautions that need to be
taken for the safe handling of cumene hydroperoxide are firstly, all the involved personals
must be trained on its proper handling and storage. Next, cumene hydroperoxide must be
stored in a way so it avoids contacts with sodium iodide, strong acids such as hydrochloric,
sulphuric and nitric acid. Besides it must also avoid combustible substances like strong bases
such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxides. Cumenes must be stored away from
amines, reducing agents, copper or lead alloys and cobalt as they will result in violent
reactions upon contact with cumene hydroperoxide. (Nj.gov, 2019).

Furthermore, cumene hydroperoxide must be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool,

well-ventilated area which is away from direct sunlight and heat. It must be kept away from
sources of ignition such as smoking or open flames. Non-sparking tools and equipment
especially when opening and closing the containers of cumene hrdroperoxide must be used to
prevent the cumene from igniting. last but not least, explosion-proof electrical equipements
and fittings must be used when cumene hydroperoxide is being used, handled or
manufactured. (Nj.gov, 2019).
Safety and hazard

Generally, all personals are exposed to certain degree of cumene at industrial site that use
or synthesize the cumene. But, reports have shown that all the workers are only exposed to a
low concentration of cumene during its production. Besides, the succeeding reactions of the
compound may occur in closed systems.

On the other hand, the employers and other personals must always follow the safe handling
practices which are commonly found in the manufacturer’s safety data sheet to ensure
employer safety. Exposure in the form of inhalation may cause headaches, dizziness,
drowsiness, unconsciousness and in some case a slight incoordination. Besides, cumene is
also an irritant when exposed to the skin and eye. Due to this, the workers and other personals
must wear protective clothing, gloves, respirators and safety goggles all the time when
handling this substance. Furthermore, the workplace which cumene is being handled or
synthesized should be well-ventilated to minimise the possible exposure for the workers.
(chemical book, 2017)

Effects on human health

Cumene poses a number of serious health effects to humans. The acute health effects of
cumene hydroperoxide exposure is when contact can severely irritate and burn the skin and
eyes with possible eye damage. Breathing cumene can irritate the nose and mouth causing
nosebleed, sore throat, cough and etc. exposure on short term also can cause headache,
dizziness and even passing out. The chronic or long term health hazard can occur sometime
after exposure and can last for month and years. (Nj.gov, 1996)

Besides, cumene hydroperoxide may cause mutations increasing cancer risks to humans
and it may carry reproductive hazard but there is no solid evidence. Other long term effects to
human health include it can cause skin allergy. If allergy develops, very low future exposure
can cause itching and a skin rash. (Nj.gov, 1996)

Effect to environment
 Cumene evaporates when exposed to the air and it can react immediately into other
chemicals. It has short term toxicity on aquatic life and poses high toxicity to birds. Cumene
is expected to minimally bioaccumulate. (Npi.gov.au, 2019)

When entering the environment, industrial emission of cumene can produce elevated
concentrations in the atmosphere and around its source but because of its short life its shelf
life in atmosphere is confined to its local area where it is emitted. next, cumene that manage
to make its way into the ground is degraded in the water within the days. But since cumene is
used in many consumer products and it is also found in tobacco smoke so its short term
indoor concentration may be elevated above the levels which are considered safe for workers.
(Npi.gov.au, 2019)

So in short cumene which ends up in the air will break down within few days into other
chemicals and if released in water, the bacteria will break it down in three to ten days. Last
but not least cumene is a volatile organic chemical and will contribute to the formation of
smog. (Npi.gov.au, 2019)

Physical properties of cumene

Molecular Weight 120.20

Boiling Point 152 - 153 ℃

Melting Point -96 ℃

Flash Point 39 ℃ (102 ℉) (closed cup)

Vapor Density 4.2 (air = 1)

Vapor Pressure 10 mm Hg at 38.3 ℃

Density/Specific Gravity 0.862 at 20/4 ℃

Log Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient 3.66

Conversion Factor 1 ppm = 4.92 mg/m3

(Scorecard.goodguide.com, 2019)
Chemical properties of cumene

Cumene are in general a very chemically stable substance. the chemical properties of
cumene are cumene is oxidized to its hydroperoxides which is used to produce propene
oxide. The alcohol produced as by product is converted back into cumene over a copper-
chromium oxide catalyst to be reused in the process. The benefit of this process is that
cumene is easier to hydroperoxidate or in other words in a more stable form. Cumene is also
a colourless liquid which has a sharp penetrating aromatic odor like gasoline. (chemical book,
2017)

References

- Hwang, S. and Chen, S. (2010). Cumene. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical

Technology.
- Nj.gov. (1996). hazardous substance fact sheet. [online] Available at:
http://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/0542.pdf [Accessed 11 Jun. 2019].
- ChemicalSafetyFacts.org. (2019). Cumene | Uses, Benefits, and Chemical Safety
Facts. [online] Available at: https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/cumene/ [Accessed
11 Jun. 2019].
- Encyclopedia.com. (2019). Cumene | Encyclopedia.com. [online] Available at:
https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/academic-and-educational-journals/cumene
[Accessed 11 Jun. 2019].
- Npi.gov.au. (2019). Cumene (1-methylethylbenzene) | National Pollutant Inventory.
[online] Available at: http://www.npi.gov.au/resource/cumene-1-methylethylbenzene
[Accessed 11 Jun. 2019].
- chemical book. (2017). cumene. [online] Available at:
https://www.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_EN_CB2191522.htm
[Accessed 11 Jun. 2019].
- Scorecard.goodguide.com. (2019). [online] Available at:
http://scorecard.goodguide.com/chemical-profiles/html/cumene.html [Accessed 11
Jun. 2019].