Toluene
What Is Toluene?
Toluene is a clear colorless liquid with a characteristic and aromatic odor. It consists of a benzene ring linked to a methyl group and is insoluble in water.
This solvent occurs naturally in crude oil and can be found in the tolu tree. It’s produced when making gasoline and other fuels and when making coke from coal.
Inhaling low to moderate levels of toluene can cause tiredness, confusion, weakness, and nausea, as well as loss of memory, appetite, hearing, and color vision. It is sometimes used as a recreational inhalant, but rapidly inhaling high toluene concentrations can cause severe neurological complications and even death.
The EPA reports that there is inadequate information to assess its carcinogenic potential.
Synonyms: Methylbenzene, toluol, phenylmethane, methylbenzene, methylbenzol, methacide
Physical and Chemical Properties
| Property | Value | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Molecular Weight | 92.14 g/mol | ||
Density | 0.8623 g/mL at 20°C | ||
Boiling Point | 110.6°C | ||
Melting Point | -94.9°C | ||
Flash Point | -4°C | ||
Viscosity | 1.165 mPa·s at 25°C | ||
Dielectric Constant | 2.38 at 25°C | ||
Dipole Moment | 0.375 | ||
UV Cutoff | 286 nm | ||
Refractive Index | 1.4967 at 20°C | ||
Vapor Pressure | 28.4 mm Hg at 25°C | ||
Vapor Density | 3.1 (vs. air) | ||
Water Solubility | 0.526 mg/mL at 25°C | ||
Heat of Combustion | 3910.3 KJ/mol | ||
Heat of Vaporization | 38.01 KJ/mol at 25°C | ||
Surface Tension | 29.46 mN/m at 10°C |
How Is Toluene Used?
Toluene is used as a solvent, a chemical intermediate, and in fuel for cars and planes. It’s also used to manufacture paints and paint thinners, fingernail polish, lacquers, adhesives, rubber, and in printing and leather tanning processes.
Toluene has been given to dogs and cats to treat worms but is toxic to humans and should not be inhaled or ingested or come in contact with the skin.
Designations and Grades
| Property | Value | ||
|---|---|---|---|
CAS Number | 108-88-3 | ||
MDL Number | MFCD00008512 | ||
RIDAD/UN Number | 1294 | ||
Beilstein Registry | 0635760 | ||
EG/EC Number | 203-625-9 | ||
NSC Number | 406333 | ||
ICSC Number | 0078 | ||
RTECS Number | XS5250000 |
Grades
ACS/ACS Reagent/Certified ACS
Anhydrous/Dry/Extra Dry/Molecular Sieve
Electronic/Semiconductor
Environmental
GC/Pesticide Residue
Histological
HPLC/UHPLC
Laboratory/Technical
Spectrophotometry
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