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
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.
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.
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.
Kerol
Kerol is a synthetic kerosene-like solvent commonly used as a degreasing and cleaning agent in various industrial applications. It is a clear, colorless liquid with low aromatic content, moderate volatility, and excellent solvency properties, designed for effective removal of oils, greases, and contaminants from metal and mechanical parts. Kerol offers a balance of strong cleaning efficiency with improved safety and environmental profile compared to traditional kerosene.
N-Butanol
N-Butanol (1-butanol) is a four-carbon linear alcohol with the chemical formula C₄H₉OH. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a mild, alcoholic odor. N-Butanol is widely used as a solvent in paints, coatings, adhesives, and chemical synthesis. It serves as an intermediate in the manufacture of plasticizers, butyl acrylate, and other chemicals. Its moderate volatility and solvent properties make it valuable in industrial and commercial applications.
Normal Butanol
Normal Butanol is a straight-chain primary alcohol with the chemical formula C4H10O. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic alcoholic odor. Known for its good solvent properties and moderate evaporation rate, n-Butanol is widely used in industrial applications such as solvents for paints, coatings, adhesives, and as an intermediate in 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.
Xylene
Xylene is a clear, colorless, flammable aromatic hydrocarbon solvent consisting of three isomers: ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene. It is widely utilized in various industries for its excellent solvency, chemical stability, and moderate evaporation rate. Xylene serves as a key raw material in chemical manufacturing and an effective solvent in coatings, adhesives, inks, and cleaning applications.

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