What Is Toluene? Definition, Uses, and Its Characteristics

Have you ever heard about toluene? This synthetic material is frequently used in the manufacturing sector, especially as a solvent. Moreover, toluene is used in beauty products and wall paints.

This article discusses toluene, from the definition to its use. Therefore, read the complete information below.

What Is Toluene?

Toluene is a clear and colorless liquid with a slightly sweet odor. Typically, toluene is naturally formed in crude oil or myroxylon balsamum tree wax. In addition, toluene can be formed during gasoline and other fuels as well as coke (coal-based fuel) production.

It is also an additive for gasoline used to increase the octane in racing cars. The higher the octane in the gasoline, the better the machine's durability is during combustion, preventing a knocking sound, which is a sign that the fuel is not properly combusted.

The chemical formula for toluene is C6H5CH3. The market volume, according to Statista, is predicted to reach 40 million metric tons globally in 2023. In 2022, the global market volume had reached 31.26 million metric tons.

The Characteristics of Toluene

Toluene is a byproduct of styrene development. Similar to other chemicals, it also has several characteristics you should understand, such as:

Flammable.
Has a sweet, like thinner, or like benzene odor.
Can evaporate at room temperature (volatile).
Has a melting point of -95 degrees Celsius.
Has a boiling point of 111 degrees Celsius.
Has a molecular weight of 92.141 g/mol.
Has a density of 0.87 g/mL.
Insoluble, but may be mixed with an organic solvent.
Clear and colorless.

The Uses of Toluene

The uses of toluene in industry are various, such as for beauty, rubber, paint, and the automotive sectors. Here is the complete explanation about the uses of toluene:

1. Producing Beauty Products

Toluene has been used to make nail polish removers. It can dissolve other materials, such as plasticizers and resins. Additionally, it is used in nail polishes to make them applicable and harden well.

2. Producing Gasoline

As mentioned before, toluene is used to increase the octane in gasoline because it is very compact. Consequently, with a high octane, the fuel does not experience detonation during combustion in the engine. This type of fuel has been used in Formula 1 cars.

3. Manufacturing Industry Products

Toluene is often used in producing industrial products, such as glue, adhesive, paint, and rubber, because it can dissolve, dry, and thin other substances. It is also used in manufacturing other chemicals, such as benzene, plastic, nylon, and polyurethane.

4. Manufacturing Solvents

Since toluene is an effective solvent, it is frequently used to dissolve other substances, particularly organic ones. As a result, organic laboratories frequently use this substance.

Things You Should Note When Using Toluene

Toluene is often used in various industries. However, you must be careful when using it because high exposure can cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.

That’s why using this chemical according to the standardized procedures and protections is important. You must follow the OHS policy, such as wearing gloves, masks, special shoes, goggles, and other personal protective equipment. In addition, make sure to process toluene in a well-ventilated place and read the instructions for use carefully.

Get High-Quality Chemicals in Chandra Asri Group

Toluene is a chemical that occurs naturally in the crude oil processing process. It is a byproduct of styrene monomer, which you can find in the Chandra Asri Group.

In addition to styrene monomer, Chandra Asri Group, as a leading chemical solution company in Southeast Asia, also provides other chemicals, such as:

Ethylene.
Propylene.
Pyrolysis Gasoline.
Crude C4.
Pyrolysis Fuel Oil.
Polyethylene.
LLDPE.
Metallocene LLDPE.
Polypropylene.
Homopolymer.
Random copolymer.
Impact copolymer.
Terpolymer.
Butadiene.
Raffinate 1.
Butene-1.
Methyl Tert Butyl Ether (MTBE).
Raffinate 2.
Caustic soda.
Hydrogen.
Sodium Hypochlorite.
Ethylene Dichloride.

If your company is looking for manufacturing chemicals, do not make the wrong choice! Trust your chemical needs to Chandra Asri Group!