1140

Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive smell, known for its wide range of applications and potential health effects:

Sources and Occurrence:

Toluene naturally occurs in crude oil and is also found in the tolu tree.

It is produced during the process of making gasoline from crude oil and coke from coal.

Industrial and Commercial Uses:

Toluene is extensively used in the manufacture of paints, paint thinners, fingernail polish, lacquers, adhesives, and rubber.

It also finds applications in printing and leather tanning processes, and in aviation and automotive fuels.

Chemical Properties:

Toluene has a flash point of 40 °F and is less dense than water, leading it to float on water.

It is insoluble in water and its vapors are heavier than air.

Chemically, it is the simplest member of the toluenes, consisting of a benzene core with a single methyl substituent, making it a mono-substituted benzene derivative.

Health and Safety Concerns:

Toluene may be toxic if inhaled, ingested, or upon skin contact.

It has roles as a non-polar solvent, a cholinergic antagonist, a neurotoxin, and a fuel additive.

It is sometimes used as a recreational inhalant in products like paint thinner, permanent markers, contact cement, and certain types of glue, which can cause severe neurological harm.

Regulatory Status:

Agencies like the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) monitor and provide information on the health effects of toluene exposure.

Due to its potential health hazards, handling toluene requires careful adherence to safety guidelines to prevent toxic exposure. It is important for industries that use toluene to implement appropriate safety measures and for individuals to be aware of the risks associated with its use or misuse.

GHS Hazard Statements

• H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

• H304: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard]

• H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

• H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]

• H361d ***: Suspected of damaging the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]

• H373 **: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

Chemical and Physical Properties

Computed Properties

Source: PubChem