Toluene

Toluene, also known as toluol, is a colorless, water-insoluble liquid with the smell associated with paint thinners. It is a mono-substituted benzene derivative, consisting of a CH₃ group attached to a phenyl group. As such, its systematic IUPAC name is methylbenzene. Toluene is predominantly used as an industrial feedstock and a solvent.

Properties

Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive smell. It is less dense than water and is slightly soluble in water. It is miscible with most organic solvents. Toluene can exist in the air, both in the vapor phase and as a liquid.

Production

Toluene is mainly produced in the reformate process, which involves the catalytic reforming of naphtha. Other processes include the toluene disproportionation process (TDP) and the hydrodealkylation process (HDA).

Uses

Toluene is used in a wide variety of industries and applications. It 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.

Health effects

Exposure to toluene can affect the central nervous system. Symptoms of toluene exposure include tiredness, confusion, weakness, memory loss, nausea, loss of appetite, and hearing and color vision loss. These symptoms can occur when toluene is inhaled or if the skin is exposed to it.

See also

• Benzene
• Xylene
• Solvent
• Naphtha

References

Toluene Resources
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