Benzene Extra Pure
Benzene Extra Pure is a high-purity, clear, highly volatile, and flammable liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor, used extensively in laboratory settings for analytical, organic, and physical chemistry applications. It serves as a non-polar solvent for a wide range of chemical reactions, particularly in the study of aromatic compounds, electrophilic substitution mechanisms, and polymer chemistry. Its stability and solvency make it suitable for sample preparation, purification processes, and spectral analysis. The extra pure grade ensures minimal impurities, delivering consistent results in precision research. Due to its toxic and carcinogenic nature, benzene must be handled in a well-ventilated fume hood with appropriate protective equipment and stored in tightly sealed containers away from heat, sparks, and oxidizers.
USES
Primary Uses
- Solvent in Organic Chemistry
- Benzene is a non-polar solvent used in dissolving non-polar compounds, especially in organic synthesis, chromatography, and recrystallization of certain organic materials.
- Starting Material for Aromatic Compounds
- Acts as a precursor or reagent in synthetic pathways for preparing derivatives like nitrobenzene, phenol, aniline, and styrene in experimental organic chemistry.
- Study of Aromaticity and Electrophilic Substitution
- Used in lab demonstrations of electrophilic aromatic substitution (EAS) reactions such as nitration, halogenation, sulfonation, and Friedel–Crafts alkylation/acylation.
- Spectroscopic Calibration Standard
- Pure benzene is used in UV-Vis and IR spectroscopy as a reference material due to its characteristic absorption bands and high purity.
Secondary Uses
- Demonstration of Physical Properties
- A classic subject in boiling point determination, vapor pressure studies, and miscibility experiments due to its well-defined thermodynamic properties.
- Chromatographic Study Solvent
- Occasionally used in liquid–liquid extraction or column chromatography for separation of non-polar substances, though often replaced with safer alternatives.
- Model Compound in Thermodynamic and Quantum Chemistry
- Ideal for molecular modeling studies (π-conjugation, aromaticity, molecular orbital theory), and often cited in NMR and quantum simulations.
- Reactant in Controlled Laboratory Nitration
Used to demonstrate formation of nitrobenzene under controlled, small-scale nitration reactions in advanced lab courses.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name: Benzene
- CAS Number: 71-43-2
- HS Code: 2902.20.00
- Molecular Formula: C₆H₆
- Synonyms:
- Cyclohexatriene
- Benzol
- Phenyl hydride
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Liquid
- Color & Odor: Colorless, with a sweet, aromatic odor
- Boiling Point: 80.1 °C
- Melting Point: 5.5 °C
- Density: 0.8765 g/cm³ at 20 °C
- Solubility:
- In Water: Slightly soluble (~1.8 g/L at 25 °C)
- In Organic Solvents: Miscible with alcohol, ether, acetone, chloroform
- pH Level: Not applicable (neutral organic compound)
- Vapor Pressure: 12.7 kPa at 25 °C
- Flash Point: -11.1 °C (closed cup)
- Autoignition Temperature: 498 °C
- Viscosity: 0.604 mPa·s at 25 °C
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes (Laboratory Context)
- GHS Classification:
- Flammable Liquid (Category 2)
- Carcinogenicity (Category 1A)
- Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Repeated Exposure (Category 1)
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 2
- Flammability: 3
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- OSHA PEL: 1 ppm (TWA); 5 ppm (STEL)
- ACGIH TLV: 0.5 ppm (TWA); 2.5 ppm (STEL)
- Reactivity:
- Stable under normal conditions
- Reacts with strong oxidizers and halogens
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area
- Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames
- Incompatible Materials:
- Strong oxidizing agents (e.g., nitric acid, chromates)
- Container Type:
- Amber glass or stainless steel under inert atmosphere (if long term)
- Shelf Life:
- Stable if stored properly — usually up to 2 years
- Special Handling Requirements:
- Use in fume hood
- Wear gloves, goggles, lab coat
- Avoid inhalation and skin contact
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status:
- Listed under REACH, TSCA, IARC, OSHA, EPA
- Hazard Symbols (GHS):
- UN Number: UN1114
- Hazard Class (DOT): 3 (Flammable liquid)
- Waste Disposal Method:
- Dispose of in accordance with local hazardous waste regulations
- Avoid release into drains and environment
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity:
- Toxic to aquatic organisms
- May cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
- Persistence:
- Volatile and moderately persistent in air
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
- Classified as Group 1 carcinogen by IARC
- Known to cause leukemia with chronic exposure
- Biodegradability:
- Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile), safety goggles, and a lab coat.
- Use a fume hood—never handle benzene in open air in a lab.
- Handling:
- Avoid inhalation and skin contact—benzene is highly toxic and carcinogenic.
- Keep containers tightly sealed.
- Ground all equipment when transferring to prevent static ignition.
- Storage:
- Store in a flammable liquids cabinet away from heat, sparks, oxidizers, and incompatible reagents (e.g., nitric acid, peroxides).
- Use amber bottles to protect from light degradation.
- Hygiene Measures:
- Wash hands and arms thoroughly after use.
- Remove contaminated clothing immediately.
FIRST AID MEASURES
- Inhalation:
- Move the person to fresh air immediately.
- Provide oxygen if breathing is difficult.
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Skin Contact:
- Rinse thoroughly with soap and water.
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Eye Contact:
- Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes.
- Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- Ingestion:
- Do not induce vomiting—aspiration risk.
- Rinse mouth.
- Call poison control or emergency medical services immediately.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
- Extinguishing Media:
- Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide (CO₂).
- Avoid water jets—may spread the fire.
- Fire Hazards:
- Extremely flammable—vapors can travel and ignite far from the source.
- Explosive vapor/air mixtures are possible.
- Combustion releases toxic gases like carbon monoxide and dioxide.
- Protective Equipment:
- Use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full fire-resistant gear.
- Firefighting Instructions:
- Cool exposed containers with water spray.
- Prevent spillage from entering drains or waterways.