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Benzene
Benzene, or benzol, is an organic chemical compound and a known carcinogen with the molecular formula C6H6. Benzene is a colorless and highly flammable liquid with a sweet smell and a relatively high melting point. Benzene is a natural constituent of crude oil, and may be synthesized from other compounds present in petroleum. Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon and the second [n]-annulene ([6]-annulene), a cyclic hydrocarbon with a continuous pi bond.
| Molecular formula |
C6H6 |
| Molar mass |
78.11 g mol-1 |
| Appearance |
Colorless liquid |
| Density |
0.8786 g/cm3 |
| Melting point |
5.5 oC, 279 K, 42 oF |
| Boiling point |
80.1 oC, 353 K, 176 oF |
| Solubility in water |
0.8 g/L (25 oC) |
| Viscosity |
0.652 cP at 20 oC |
Primary Uses
- Benzene is used in manufacturing of chemicals, including styrene, dyes, and many other organic chemicals.
- Smaller amounts of benzene are used to make some types of rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, explosives, napalm and pesticides.
- Because it is a known carcinogen, its use as an additive in gasoline is now limited, but it is an important industrial solvent and precursor in the production of drugs, plastics, synthetic rubber, and dyes.
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