Product Description:
Benzene (C₆H₆) is a colorless, highly flammable liquid aromatic hydrocarbon with a characteristic sweet odor. It is a crucial raw material in the chemical industry, widely used in manufacturing polymers, synthetic fibers, rubber, and various other chemical products. Additionally, benzene serves as a key building block for numerous derivatives, including styrene, phenol, cyclohexane, and other industrial chemicals.
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Chemical Properties:
Chemical Formula: | C₆H₆ |
Molecular Weight: | 78.11 g/mol |
CAS Number: | 71-43-2 |
IUPAC Name: | Benzene |
Synonyms: | Benzol, Phenyl Hydride, Cyclohexatriene |
Boiling Point: | 80.1°C |
Melting Point: | 5.5°C |
Density: | 0.879 g/cm³ at 20°C |
Vapor Pressure: | 12.8 mmHg at 20°C |
Solubility: | Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents like alcohol, ether, and chloroform |
Flash Point: | -11°C (10°F) (closed cup) |
Appearance: | Colorless liquid with a sweet odor |
Refractive Index: | 1.501 at 20°C |
Viscosity: | 0.65 cP at 25°C |
Evaporation Rate: | 4.4 (butyl acetate = 1) |
![Benzene CAS#71-43-2 Benzene CAS#71-43-2]()
Applications of Benzene
Chemical Manufacturing:
Styrene Production: Benzene is a primary precursor for styrene, which is essential in producing polystyrene, ABS plastics, and synthetic rubber.
Phenol Production: It is also used to manufacture phenol, a key component in plastics, resins, and adhesives.
Cyclohexane Production: Benzene serves as a raw material for cyclohexane, which is used to produce nylon and other synthetic fibers.
Caprolactam Production: Benzene is involved in the production of caprolactam, a crucial intermediate for nylon-6.
Solvent Uses:
Benzene’s solvent properties make it useful in laboratories and industrial processes for dissolving oils, resins, and other substances. However, due to its toxic and carcinogenic nature, safer alternatives are increasingly replacing benzene as a solvent.
Pharmaceuticals:
Benzene is employed in the synthesis of various pharmaceutical compounds and intermediates.
Rubber Manufacturing:
It is used to produce synthetic rubber (butadiene), which finds applications in tires and other rubber products.
Paints and Coatings:
Benzene acts as a solvent in the formulation of paints, coatings, varnishes, and lacquers.
Health and Safety Considerations:
Benzene is classified as a carcinogen by leading health organizations, including the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Long-term exposure may cause severe health issues such as leukemia and bone marrow suppression. Safety precautions when handling benzene include:
Wearing protective gloves and clothing
Ensuring proper ventilation
Avoiding direct inhalation of vapors
![Benzene CAS#71-43-2 Benzene CAS#71-43-2]()