Toluene

   

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Toluene is a clear liquid aromatic hydrocarbon with a distinctive smell. Also called methylbenzene or phenylmethane, it is used as an octane booster in fuel, as a solvent in paints and paint thinners, rubber, printing, adhesives, cosmetics, nail polish, lacquers, leather tanning, disinfectants and perfumes, and to produce phenol and TNT. It is also used as a raw material for toluene diisocyanate, which is used in the manufacture of polyurethane foams.

Structure

The chemical formula of toluene is C6H5CH3. Toluene occurs naturally in crude oil and in the tolu tree. It is also produced in the process of making gasoline and other fuels from crude oil and making coke from coal.

Inhaling small quantities of toluene fumes can be intoxicating, but in larger doses nausea-inducing. Chronic or frequent inhalation of toluene leads to irreversible brain damage.



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