Production of isopropylnaphthalene derivatives

A new application for naphthalene with considerable growth potential is the production of alkylated naphthalenes, especially that of diisopropylnaphthalenes. Resulting from the mutual depression of melting-points, the mixture of diisopro-pylnaphthalene is liquid and can therefore be used as a high-value solvent for dyes in the production of carbonless copy papers. The solvents for dyes must meet certain preconditions, i. e. exhibit high solvent power, be free from odor, be toxico- 

Other possible applications for isopropylnaphthalenes are the production of 2,6-naphlhalenedicarboxylic acid (see Chapter 10.2), and the manufacture of 2-isopropenylnaphthalene, which can be used as a vinylogous monomer to produce polymers with a high glass-transition temperature. 

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