The tetramethylbenzenes constitute a group of substances of

aromatic hydrocarbons Aromatic compounds or arenes are organic compounds "with a chemistry typified by benzene" and "cyclically conjugated." The word "aromatic" originates from the past grouping of molecules based on odor, before their general chemical properties were ...

, which structure consists of a

benzene ring Benzene is an organic chemical compound with the molecular formula C6H6. The benzene molecule is composed of six carbon atoms joined in a planar hexagonal ring with one hydrogen atom attached to each. Because it contains only carbon and hydr ...

with four

methyl group In organic chemistry, a methyl group is an alkyl derived from methane, containing one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms, having chemical formula (whereas normal methane has the formula ). In formulas, the group is often abbreviated a ...

s (–CH₃) as a substituent. Through their different arrangement, they form three structural isomers with the molecular formula C₁₀H₁₄. They also belong to the group of C₄-benzenes. The best-known isomer is

durene Durene, or 1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene, is an organic compound with the formula C6H2(CH3)4. It is a colourless solid with a sweet odor. The compound is classified as an alkylbenzene. It is one of three isomers of tetramethylbenzene, the other two ...

. :

References

Alkylbenzenes C4-Benzenes {{hydrocarbon-stub