Reactions similar to those of toluene

The typical reactions of alkyl groups attached to benzenoid rings involve benzyl-type radical intermediates. An azine ring can stabilize a methyl radical just as can a phenyl ring, and thus most alkylpyridines and azines show these reactions. 

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The reactions of heptane conversion and 1-hexene cyclization indicate a selectivity pattern based on the size of the product molecules. Negligible conversion to toluene was measured in the small pores carbon fibers, while other carbon fibers gave results similar to those of the activated carbon. 

Aromatic hydrocarbons are nonpolar and have physical properties similar to those of the alkanes and alkenes. Benzene resists addition reactions typical of alkenes. Benzene and toluene are key industrial chemicals. Other important aromatics include phenol, aniline, and styrene. 

A typical chem manufg operation is the production of trinitrotoluene — TNT, the dominant mil expl. It involves the manuf of huge quantities of nitric and sulfuric acids, from sulfur and ammonia, in chem plants exactly similar to those which make nitric and sulfuric acids in the civilian economy. Mixed nitric and sulfuric acid is then combined with liq toluene in a series of reaction kettles... 

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