1,4-Bis(2-ethylhexyl)benzene: Properties & Lab Use Guide

1,4-Bis(2-ethylhexyl)benzene is a branched-chain dialkylbenzene valued in research laboratories for its high chemical stability, low volatility, and suitability as a non-polar solvent and scintillator base material.

CAS Number

Not confirmed in source material — see review flags

Molecular Formula

C22H38 (tentative; needs verification)

Aladdin SKU

B468209

Reference Supplier Catalog No.

Sigma-Aldrich 636738

Compound Class

Branched dialkylbenzene (aromatic hydrocarbon)

Polarity

Non-polar; miscible with common organic solvents

Chemical Identity and Structure

1,4-Bis(2-ethylhexyl)benzene is a symmetrically para-substituted dialkylbenzene in which two 2-ethylhexyl chains are attached at the 1 and 4 positions of a benzene ring. The branched side chains confer a low melting point, suppressing crystallization at ambient temperatures and keeping the compound liquid under typical laboratory storage conditions. As an aromatic hydrocarbon, the molecule retains the UV-absorbing pi-system of the benzene core while the bulky alkyl substituents dominate the bulk physical behavior, yielding a high-boiling, low-volatility liquid.

The reference catalog number from Sigma-Aldrich is 636738, as noted in the product description. Researchers should confirm the exact CAS number, molecular weight, and purity specification from the current Aladdin or supplier certificate of analysis before use.

Physicochemical Properties and Handling

As a member of the dialkylbenzene family, 1,4-Bis(2-ethylhexyl)benzene is expected to exhibit the following general properties, though researchers must verify exact values against the certificate of analysis supplied with each lot:

• Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale-yellow liquid at room temperature.
• Polarity: Non-polar; readily miscible with hexane, toluene, dichloromethane, and other nonpolar or moderately polar organic solvents.
• Volatility: Low vapor pressure relative to lighter aromatic solvents due to the high molecular weight of the branched alkyl chains.
• Thermal stability: Expected to be thermally stable under normal laboratory conditions; specific decomposition temperature should be confirmed from the SDS.

Standard precautions for organic aromatic hydrocarbons apply: work in a well-ventilated fume hood, use nitrile or neoprene gloves, safety glasses, and a lab coat. Avoid open flames. Store in a tightly sealed container away from strong oxidizers and heat sources.

Research Applications

The combination of an aromatic core and long, branched aliphatic chains makes 1,4-Bis(2-ethylhexyl)benzene useful in several research contexts:

• Scintillator formulations: Dialkylbenzenes are established solvents in liquid scintillation counting and in the development of large-volume neutrino detector media, where high flash point, low toxicity relative to traditional solvents, and good light-transmission properties are desirable.
• Non-polar reaction media: The compound can serve as a high-boiling inert solvent for reactions requiring temperatures above the boiling point of common solvents such as toluene.
• Material science: Alkylbenzenes are investigated as plasticizers, dielectric fluids, or model compounds in studies of molecular packing and self-assembly.
• Standard and reference material: High-purity dialkylbenzenes are used as GC calibration standards and retention index markers.

Specific application performance data should be independently validated by the end user under their experimental conditions.

Storage, Stability, and Quality Assurance

General guidance for storing 1,4-Bis(2-ethylhexyl)benzene is as follows, pending confirmation from the product SDS and certificate of analysis:

• Store at room temperature (15–25 °C) in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the container tightly closed under an inert atmosphere (nitrogen or argon) if moisture or oxygen sensitivity is a concern for the intended application.
• Inspect for discoloration or particulates before use; discard any lot that does not meet specification.

Aladdin Scientific's B468209 is referenced against Sigma-Aldrich catalog number 636738. Users are encouraged to request a current certificate of analysis, including purity by GC, water content (Karl Fischer), and refractive index, to confirm suitability for their specific application. Lot-to-lot consistency should be verified for quantitative assays.

Frequently asked questions

What is 1,4-Bis(2-ethylhexyl)benzene used for in research?

It is primarily used as a high-boiling non-polar solvent, as a base solvent in liquid scintillation formulations and neutrino detector media, and as a model compound or reference standard in material science and chromatography studies. End users should validate suitability for their specific application.

How should 1,4-Bis(2-ethylhexyl)benzene (B468209) be stored?

Store in a tightly sealed container at room temperature (15–25 °C) in a cool, dry area away from heat sources and oxidizers. Refer to the current Safety Data Sheet provided with the product for authoritative storage and disposal guidance.

What is the Sigma-Aldrich equivalent catalog number for Aladdin B468209?

According to the Aladdin product description, B468209 corresponds to Sigma-Aldrich catalog number 636738. Researchers should independently verify CAS number, purity, and specification alignment before substituting products across suppliers.

Is 1,4-Bis(2-ethylhexyl)benzene compatible with polar solvents?

As a non-polar aromatic hydrocarbon, it is generally miscible with other non-polar and moderately polar solvents such as hexane, toluene, and dichloromethane, but has limited miscibility with highly polar solvents such as water or short-chain alcohols. Miscibility should be verified experimentally for specific solvent systems.

References

1. Sigma-Aldrich product page for catalog number 636738, referenced in Aladdin Scientific B468209 product description.

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.