1,4-Diisopropenylbenzene

1,4-Diisopropenylbenzene is a hydrocarbon solvent that is used as a reagent in organic synthesis. It is reactive and can react with an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric acid to form an ester. The reaction time of 1,4-diisopropenylbenzene with an alkali metal hydroxide such as magnesium hydroxide is about one hour at room temperature. The product of this reaction is the magnesium salt of the corresponding carboxylic acid. 1,4-Diisopropenylbenzene has been shown to be toxic to mouse melanoma cells and has been used for cationic polymerization reactions. It has also been shown to be reactive with vinylene and other monomers, forming gels that are useful in making rubber products.