Durene can be separated from its isomers by selective crystallization, exploiting its high melting point.

[3] The original synthesis of durene involved a similar reaction starting from toluene.

In industry, it is the precursor to pyromellitic dianhydride, which is used for manufacturing curing agents, adhesives, coating materials.

It is used in the manufacture of some raw materials for engineering plastics (polyimides) and cross-linking agent for alkyd resins.

[2] With a simple proton NMR spectrum comprising two signals due to the 2 aromatic hydrogens (2H) and four methyl groups (12H), durene is used as an internal standard.