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Toluene
Toluene is a clear, colorless aromatic hydrocarbon solvent with a distinct sweet odor. It is widely used as an industrial solvent and chemical feedstock due to its excellent solvency, volatility, and chemical stability. Toluene plays a critical role in the production of paints, coatings, adhesives, rubber, and various chemicals. It is also used as a fuel additive and in the manufacture of explosives and pharmaceuticals. Its versatility makes it a cornerstone in multiple industrial sectors.
Toluene
Primary Uses
- Chemical Industry
- Solvent: Used extensively as a solvent in paints, coatings, adhesives, inks, and cleaning agents.
- Chemical Intermediate: Feedstock for producing benzene, benzoic acid, benzyl chloride, and other aromatic chemicals.
- Production of Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI): Key raw material in polyurethane foam manufacture.
- Manufacture of Explosives: Used in production of trinitrotoluene (TNT).
- Paints and Coatings Industry
- Thinner and Diluent: Facilitates application and drying of paints and varnishes.
- Degreasing Agent: Used to clean surfaces before painting.
- Rubber Industry
- Rubber Solvent: Used to dissolve and process natural and synthetic rubber.
- Adhesive Production: Key ingredient in rubber-based adhesives.
Secondary Uses
- Fuel Industry
- Octane Booster: Added to gasoline to improve combustion efficiency and reduce engine knocking.
- Aviation Fuel Component: Used in jet fuels as a component to enhance performance.
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Intermediate in Drug Synthesis: Used as a solvent or reagent in various pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
- Laboratory Use
- Extraction Solvent: Employed in analytical and preparative chemistry for extraction and purification processes.
- Printing Industry
- Ink Solvent: Used in printing inks to improve flow and drying.
- Adhesives and Sealants
- Solvent Carrier: Enhances formulation and application of adhesives and sealants.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Methylbenzene
- Common/Trade Name: Toluene
- CAS Number: 108-88-3
- HS Code: 2902.30.00
- Synonyms: Methylbenzene, Phenylmethane
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Clear, colorless liquid
- Color & Odor: Colorless; sweet, aromatic odor
- Boiling Point: 110.6 °C
- Melting Point: -95 °C
- Density: 0.8669 g/cm³ at 20 °C
- Flash Point: 4 °C (closed cup)
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; miscible with organic solvents like alcohol, ether, acetone
- Vapor Pressure: 28 mm Hg at 25 °C
- Refractive Index: 1.496 at 20 °C
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification:
- Flammable liquid (Category 2)
- Specific target organ toxicity — single exposure (Category 3, narcotic effects)
- Toxicity: Moderate toxicity via inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption; can affect central nervous system.
- Exposure Limits:
- OSHA PEL: 200 ppm (8-hour TWA)
- ACGIH TLV: 20 ppm (8-hour TWA)
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from sources of ignition and incompatible materials.
- Container Type: Steel drums, bulk tanks, or suitable solvent containers.
- Shelf Life: Stable under recommended storage conditions for several years.
- Handling Precautions: Use explosion-proof equipment; avoid inhalation and skin contact; ensure grounding to prevent static discharge.
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with REACH, TSCA, OSHA, and GHS requirements.
- Listed on major chemical inventories worldwide.
- Classified and labeled according to international transport regulations (UN 1294).
- Subject to environmental regulations due to VOC content.
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions.
- Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms; avoid environmental discharge.
- Bioaccumulation: Low potential.
- Environmental Fate: Volatile and may contribute to air pollution and smog formation.
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Flame-resistant gloves, goggles, and respirators in poorly ventilated areas.
- Handling Guidelines: Avoid ignition sources; use in well-ventilated areas or fume hoods.
- Storage Measures: Ground and bond containers during transfer; store away from oxidizers.
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention if symptoms like dizziness or headache persist.
- Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing.
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical help if irritation continues.
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention.
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Highly flammable liquid and vapor; vapors can form explosive mixtures with air.
- Extinguishing Media: Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, CO₂, or water spray.
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, benzene, and other toxic fumes.
Related products
Butyl Acetate
Butyl Acetate is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic pleasant fruity odor similar to pears or bananas. It is an ester formed from butanol and acetic acid. Due to its excellent solvent properties, moderate evaporation rate, and relatively low toxicity, it is widely used in industrial, pharmaceutical, food flavoring, and cosmetic applications. It dissolves many resins and polymers and is prized for improving flow and finish in coatings and inks.
Carbon Disulfide
Carbon Disulfide (CS₂) is a volatile, flammable, and highly toxic organic solvent composed of carbon and sulfur. At 99% purity, it is a clear to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, sweet, ether-like odor. Carbon Disulfide is produced primarily by the reaction of carbon (charcoal) with sulfur vapors at high temperatures. Due to its excellent solvent properties and reactivity, it is used across multiple industries, including the production of rayon, cellophane, rubber chemicals, and pesticides. Despite its utility, Carbon Disulfide requires careful handling because of its toxicity, flammability, and environmental hazards.
Cyclohexanone
Cyclohexanone is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sharp, sweet, acetone-like odor. It is a cyclic ketone with the molecular formula C₆H₁₀O and a moderately high boiling point. Cyclohexanone is a key intermediate in the chemical industry, primarily used in the manufacture of nylon, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. Its excellent solvency and chemical reactivity make it valuable for a wide range of industrial applications, including solvent use and chemical synthesis.
Engine Cleaner
Engine Cleaner (also known as Engine Degreaser) is a heavy-duty, solvent-based or aqueous-based chemical formulation designed to dissolve, emulsify, and remove stubborn petroleum-based contaminants from mechanical assemblies. Its primary function is to cut through and lift accumulated engine oil, grease, grime, carbon deposits, and road tar from internal combustion engines, machinery parts, and automotive components. Technical-grade engine cleaner is engineered for industrial, automotive repair, and fleet maintenance applications. It is not intended for use on active electronic components, certain plastics, or as a general-purpose household cleaner due to its potent chemical strength and potential corrosivity.
Ink reducer (Ethanol)
Ink reducer (Ethanol) is a volatile, colorless liquid used to adjust the viscosity, flow, and drying time of printing inks. Composed primarily of high-purity ethanol (ethyl alcohol), it acts as a solvent or diluent in various ink systems—particularly in flexographic, gravure, and screen printing. This reducer enhances printability by improving ink transfer, leveling, and penetration into substrates. Ink reducers based on ethanol are fast-drying and widely compatible with alcohol-soluble and water-alcohol hybrid inks used in packaging, label printing, and paper conversion industries.
Isophorone
Isophorone is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, ketone-like odor. Chemically classified as a cyclic α,β-unsaturated ketone (3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one), it is a solvent widely used in industrial applications. It has good solvency properties for resins, paints, coatings, and inks, combined with relatively slow evaporation compared to other ketones. Isophorone is miscible with many organic solvents and used extensively in manufacturing and chemical synthesis.
Pine Oil
Pine Oil is a powerful, aromatic essential oil obtained through the steam distillation of the needles, twigs, and cones of pine trees, primarily Pinus sylvestris or other Pinus species. It features a sharp, woody, and fresh scent with natural disinfectant and deodorizing properties. Rich in monoterpenes such as alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, Pine Oil is widely utilized in cleaning products, disinfectants, air care, cosmetics, and industrial formulations. It is valued for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and degreasing capabilities, making it an effective multi-purpose ingredient across various sectors.
Solvent Naphtha
Solvent Naphtha is a flammable, volatile hydrocarbon mixture derived from petroleum distillation. Characterized by its sharp, petroleum-like odor, it is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid. It is a versatile industrial solvent prized for its ability to dissolve oils, fats, resins, and rubber. Its balanced evaporation rate and strong solvency make it a key component in formulations requiring a powerful yet controllable solvent.
