Product

Diethylbenzene (DEB) is an aromatic hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C₆H₄(C₂H₆)₂.

It exists as three isomers—ortho (1,2-), meta (1,3-), and para (1,4-)—each consisting of a benzene ring substituted with two ethyl groups.

DEB is a colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor, insoluble in water but miscible with organic solvents.

It is mainly produced as a minor byproduct during the industrial alkylation of benzene with ethylene to manufacture ethylbenzene, and can be recycled via transalkylation.

Diethylbenzene is used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, as a precursor to divinylbenzene (for crosslinked polystyrene), and as a component in low-temperature heat transfer fluids.

References

1. Wikipedia, Diethylbenzenes. (accessed 20^th April 2025)
2. Chemical Book, Diethylbenzene. (accessed 20^th Apr 2025)