benzen

Benzene is an organic chemical with the formula C6H6. It is a colorless, highly flammable liquid and one of the simplest aromatic hydrocarbons. It is the parent compound of the class of arenes and is best described by a planar ring of six carbon atoms with delocalized electrons, commonly represented as alternating single and double bonds in a hexagonal ring.

Physically, benzene has a boiling point of 80.1°C and a melting point of 5.5°C. It is nonpolar and only sparingly soluble in water, but it dissolves well in many organic solvents. It is typically encountered as a volatile liquid with a distinct, sweet odor.

Occurrence and production in industry: Benzene occurs in small amounts in crude oil and coal tar. Industrially, it is produced mainly from fossil fuel processing, including catalytic reforming and the disproportionation of toluene to benzene and xylene. It is frequently recovered as a coproduct in refinery streams and serves as a versatile feedstock for a wide range of chemical syntheses.

Uses: Benzene is a key building block in the chemical industry. It is used to produce cumene (and then phenol and acetone), styrene (via ethylbenzene), aniline, caprolactam, and several other intermediates. It is also employed as a solvent in various applications, though its use is increasingly restricted due to health concerns.

Safety and regulation: Benzene is a highly flammable liquid and vapor. It is a known human carcinogen, with long-term exposure linked to an increased risk of leukemia and other blood disorders. Occupational exposure limits are enforced in many countries, and work with benzene is subject to strict handling, ventilation, and monitoring requirements.