|
Toluene
Toluene, also known as methylbenzene or phenylmethane, is a clear water-insoluble liquid with the typical smell of paint thinners, redolent of the sweet smell of the related compound benzene. It is an aromatic hydrocarbon that is widely used as an industrial feedstock and as a solvent. Like other solvents, toluene is also used as an inhalant drug for its intoxicating properties.
| Molecular formula |
C7H8 (C6H5CH3) |
| Molar mass |
92.14 g/mol |
| Appearance |
colorless liquid |
| Density |
0.8669 g/mL |
| Melting point |
-93 oC |
| Boiling point |
110.6 oC |
| Solubility in water |
0.47 g/l (20-25oC) |
| Viscosity |
0.590 cP at 20oC |
Primary Uses
- Toluene is a common solvent, able to dissolve paints, paint thinners, silicone sealants, many chemical reactants, rubber, printing ink, adhesives (glues), lacquers, leather tanners, and disinfectants.
- Used as a fullerene indicator, and is a raw material for toluene diisocyanate (used in the manufacture of polyurethane foam) and TNT.
- As a cement for fine polystyrene kits (by dissolving and then fusing surfaces) as it can be applied very precisely by brush and contains none of the bulk of an adhesive.
- Industrial uses of toluene include dealkylation to benzene, and the disproportionation to a mixture of benzene and xylene in the BTX process.
- When oxidized it yields benzaldehyde and benzoic acid, two important intermediates in chemistry.
|
|