Toluene specific weight: density, properties and use

Toluene, or methylbenzene, is a colorless liquid with a characteristic slightly sweet smell familiar from solvents, varnishes and paints. It dissolves poorly in water and belongs to aromatic hydrocarbons: structurally, it is a benzene ring with a methyl group.

Density and Other Properties of Toluene

• Toluene is a combustible substance and produces heavy soot when burning.

• Inhalation of toluene vapors can cause mild narcotic intoxication.

• It is less toxic than benzene because it is eliminated from the body after oxidation to benzoic acid.

• Like other aromatic hydrocarbons, toluene is lighter than water and does not dissolve in it.

• It dissolves in alcohols, ether and acetone.

• The structure of toluene is similar to benzene, except that one atom is replaced by the CH3 group.

• It enters two types of chemical reactions: involving the benzene ring or involving the methyl group.

Table of physical properties of toluene:

The specific weight of toluene depends on the temperature of the substance. The value above corresponds to a temperature of about 20 °C.

Use of Toluene

Toluene and other aromatic hydrocarbons are used in paints and varnishes, dyes, resins, polymers and chemical intermediates. Toluene dissolves many organic substances and is used as a raw material in industrial organic synthesis.

A high percentage of toluene is present in R-4 solvent. In addition to aromatic hydrocarbons, the mixture contains 62% toluene, 26% acetone and 12% butyl acetate.

Toluene is used as a component of some fuels and solvents, is included in certain varnishes and printing inks, and serves as a raw material for producing benzoic acid, saccharin and other substances. Some toluene derivatives are used in explosives production, so work with it requires safety compliance.

Health Hazard

Toluene is dangerous not only to human health but also to the environment. The substance enters the body through skin pores and the respiratory tract. Long-term exposure and accumulation of the harmful substance can cause serious diseases of the nervous system, such as encephalopathy. Toluene, like similar aromatic hydrocarbons, also has a harmful effect on blood and blood-forming organs.

Signs of toluene poisoning include nausea, dizziness, balance disturbance, and slowed consciousness and reactions. Prolonged and severe poisoning can lead to irreversible consequences and death. Toluene is a highly flammable substance.

Rules for working with toluene:

• use rubber gloves;

• constantly ventilate the room;

• do not inhale vapors;

• do not use open flame in work areas;

• store in tightly closed containers away from heat sources.