p-Cymene is a transparent liquid with a scent of terpenes and an orange or carrot odour. It can be extracted from Dipentene via dehydrogenation and disproportionation reactions, using Raney nickel or Pd/C as a catalyst. This method offers easier separation and a higher yield compared to alkylation by Toluene.
The high quality p-Cymene is primarily used as a material to synthesize Tonalide. Furthermore, it is also used as food flavours, in daily products like soaps and cleaning solvents, and as a pharmaceutical ingredient with expectorant and cough efficacy.