toluena

Toluene, also known as methylbenzene, is a colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic sweet odor and the chemical formula C7H8. It is an aromatic hydrocarbon consisting of a benzene ring with a methyl substituent. It is less dense than water, and it is miscible with many organic solvents but only sparingly soluble in water. Its boiling point is about 110–111 °C and its melting point about -95 °C.

Toluene is produced from fossil fuels, primarily from the petrochemical BTX stream and, to a lesser extent, from coal tar. It is a major industrial solvent used in paints, coatings, inks, adhesives, and cleaning products, as well as a feedstock for chemical synthesis. It serves as a precursor to several important chemicals, including benzaldehyde, benzoic acid, and toluene diisocyanate (TDI), which is used to make polyurethanes.

Safety and health: Toluene vapors are flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. Inhalation or skin exposure may affect the nervous system and liver; occupational exposure should be controlled with adequate ventilation and personal protective equipment. It is also subject to environmental regulations due to its status as a volatile organic compound.