DURENE (1.2.4.5 tetramethylbenzene) a hydro carbon occurring in the light oils of coal-tar and prepared by the action of methyl iodide on brompseudocumene or 4.6 dibrom me taxylene, in presence of sodium ; or by the action of methyl chloride on toluene, in presence of anhydrous aluminium chlo ride. It crystallizes in plates, having a camphor-like smell, melting at 79-80°C. and boiling at 189-191°C.