Ethyltoluene describes organic compounds with the formula . Three isomers exist: 1,2- 1,3-, and 1,4-. All are colorless liquids, immiscible in water, with similar boiling points. They are classified are aromatic hydrocarbons. The ring bears two substituents: a methyl group and an ethyl group.
Ethyltoluenes are prepared by alkylation of toluene with ethylene:
These alkylations are catalyzed by various Lewis acids, such as aluminium trichloride.
3- and 4-Ethyltoluenes are mainly of interest as precursors to methylstyrenes:
This dehydrogenation is conducted in the presence of zinc oxide catalysts.