Detailed Product Description:
A colorless to light yellow, flammable liquid with an aromatic odor.
It is a non-polar solvent, soluble in alcohol, acetone, carbon tetrachloride,
carbon disulfide, acetic acid, and ether. Only partially soluble in water.
Because it is a known carcinogen, its use as an additive in gasoline is now
limited, but it is an important industrial solvent and precursor in the production
of drugs, plastics, synthetic rubber, and dyes.
Grade/Purity:
This is anhydrous grade (all water removed) with a minimum
purity of 99.8%.
Background:
Prior to the 1920s, benzene was frequently used as an industrial solvent,
especially for degreasing metal. As its toxicity became obvious, benzene
was supplanted by other solvents, especially toluene (methyl benzene),
which has similar physical properties but is not as carcinogenic.
As a gasoline additive, benzene increases the octane rating and reduces
knocking. Consequently, gasoline often contained several percent benzene
before the 1950s, when tetraethyl lead replaced it as the most widely-used
antiknock additive. With the global phase-out of leaded gasoline, benzene
has made a comeback as a gasoline additive in some nations.
Applications:
Today benzene is mainly used as an intermediate to make other chemicals.
Its most widely-produced derivatives include styrene, which is used to
make polymers and plastics, phenol for resins and adhesives, and
cyclohexane, which is used in the manufacture of Nylon. Smaller
amounts of benzene are used to make some types of rubbers, lubricants,
dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides.
Precautions:
Flammable, dangerous fire risk. A known carcinogen. Highly
toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption. Download, read,
and understand the precautions for use of this material in the
Material Safety Data Sheet before using this substance.
Click here to download MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
Packaging:
Comes packed in 250ml boston round, amber glass bottle. Also available in 500 ml size.
