Chemical Identity and Physical Properties

1,4-Diisopropylnaphthalene (CAS class: dialkylnaphthalene; molecular formula C₁₆H₂₀; MW 212.33 g/mol) is a bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in which two isopropyl groups are substituted at the 1- and 4-positions of the naphthalene ring system. This substitution pattern imparts steric bulk around the aromatic core, contributing to the compound's elevated boiling point and reduced vapour pressure compared with unsubstituted naphthalene or mono-alkyl analogues.

As a member of the dialkylnaphthalene family, 1,4-Diisopropylnaphthalene is typically encountered as a colourless to pale-yellow liquid at ambient temperature. Its high degree of alkyl substitution confers enhanced lipophilicity, making it miscible with non-polar organic solvents while being immiscible with water. These characteristics position it as a thermally stable, high-boiling aromatic medium suitable for demanding physicochemical applications.

Research and Industrial Applications

Diisopropylnaphthalene isomers, including the 1,4-substituted form, have attracted attention in several application domains owing to their combination of aromatic character, thermal stability, and tunable solvation properties:

• High-boiling reaction solvent: The compound's elevated boiling point makes it suitable as a reaction medium for high-temperature synthetic transformations where common solvents would evaporate or decompose.
• Plasticiser and process oil research: Alkylnaphthalenes have been investigated as process oils and plasticiser components in polymer and rubber research due to their compatibility with aromatic polymer matrices.
• Electrochemical and battery research: Certain diisopropylnaphthalene isomers have been explored as electrolyte additives or co-solvents in energy storage research, where their stability under oxidative conditions is advantageous.
• Analytical reference standard: High-purity dialkylnaphthalenes serve as reference compounds in chromatographic method development and environmental analytical chemistry.
• Specialty lubricant formulation: Alkylnaphthalene-based fluids are studied for their thermal and oxidative stability in high-performance lubrication research.

The specific isomeric geometry of the 1,4-substitution influences the compound's physical properties relative to 1,3- or 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene isomers, making isomeric purity relevant in structure–activity or structure–property investigations.

Handling, Storage, and Safety Considerations

Although 1,4-Diisopropylnaphthalene is considerably less volatile than naphthalene itself, standard laboratory precautions for aromatic hydrocarbons should be observed:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a laboratory coat. Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood when handling open quantities.
• Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container away from heat sources, open flames, and strong oxidising agents. A cool, dry, well-ventilated storeroom is recommended. Keep away from incompatible materials.
• Waste disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations for aromatic hydrocarbon waste. Do not pour into drains or water courses.
• Fire hazard: As a combustible aromatic liquid, appropriate fire-suppression media (CO₂, dry chemical, foam) should be accessible in the storage and handling area.

Researchers should consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Aladdin Scientific for product-specific hazard classifications, first-aid measures, and regulatory information prior to use. Specific GHS hazard classifications, flash point, and exposure limits should be confirmed from the official SDS, as these values are product-lot specific.

Procurement and Quality Specifications

Aladdin Scientific supplies 1,4-Diisopropylnaphthalene under catalog number D769276. Researchers and procurement officers should note the following when ordering:

• Purity and grade: Confirm the purity grade required for your application. Analytical or reference-grade material may be necessary for quantitative studies, while technical grade may suffice for process solvent applications. Specific purity data should be confirmed on the current product page or Certificate of Analysis (CoA).
• Pack sizes: Available pack sizes should be verified at time of ordering via the Aladdin Scientific website or sales team to ensure alignment with project scale and storage capacity.
• Certificate of Analysis: A CoA documenting lot-specific purity, water content, and other quality parameters is available upon request for each batch.
• Regulatory documentation: SDS, export classification, and other compliance documents are available from Aladdin Scientific customer support.
• Cross-reference: This product is also listed under McLean (麦克林) catalog number D941069, which may be useful for procurement teams comparing suppliers.