noun
mass nounChemistryA liquid hydrocarbon made catalytically from benzene, chiefly as an intermediate in phenol synthesis.
Alternative name: isopropyl benzene; chemical formula: C₆H₅CH(CH₃)₂
- ‘With benzene, it is used to synthesize first cumene and then acetone and phenol.’
Origin
Mid 19th century from Latin cuminum ‘cumin’ + -ene.
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