(also isopropylbenzene), C₆H₅CH(CH₃)2, a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Melting point, —96.03°C; boiling point, 152.39°C; density, 0.8618 g/cm³ (at 20°C); and refractive index, n_D²⁰, 1.4913.

Cumene is readily soluble in organic solvents and poorly soluble in water. It forms explosive vapor-air mixtures (flash point, 38°C). Internal introduction of cumene leads to acute and chronic damage of the hematopoietic organs. Cumene is obtained by vapor-phase (in the presence of phosphoric acid) or liquid-phase (in the presence of AlCl₃₎ alkylation of benzene by propylene. Cumene is used as a solvent and a high-octane additive to aviation gasolines; it is also used in the production of phenol and acetone.