Toluene - C6H5CH3

What is Toluene?

Toluene is a clear, colourless liquid with a benzene-like odour. The chemical formula of toluene can be written as C₆H₅CH₃.

Toluene is a naturally occurring compound derived primarily from petroleum or petrochemical processes. Toluene is a common component in gasoline, glues, and paint products. Toluene is a liquid, which is colourless, water-insoluble and smells like paint thinners. It is a mono-substituted colourless liquid, consisting of a CH₃ group that is attached to a phenyl group. 

Table of Contents

• Properties of Toluene
• Toluene structure
• Toluene Production
• Toluene Uses
• Toluene as a Precursor to Other Chemicals
• Toluene as a Solvent
• Other Applications of Toluene
• FAQs

Properties of Toluene

Toluene is more reactive to electrophiles than benzene. Due to the greater part of the methyl group than the electron-releasing properties, it reacts normal fragrant in the same position. It faces sulphonation to provide an acid called p-toluenesulfonic and chlorination by Cl₂ in the presence of FeCl₃ to give ortho and para isomers of chlorotoluene.

Toluene structure

Toluene is widely used as an industrial raw material and a solvent for manufacturing many commercial products, including paints and glues.

Toluene Production

Toluene is naturally found in crude oil and as a by product in gasoline production. Also, it is obtained as a by product in coke production from coal.

Production of Toluene at the industrial level is inexpensive. It is synthesized in various methods. For example, the reaction of benzene with methyl chloride in the presence of aluminium chloride (Lewis acid) to give toluene:

C₆H₅H + CH₃Cl → C₆H₅CH₃ + HCl

Toluene Uses

Toluene is widely used as a precursor to benzene. The chemical equation for the reaction between toluene and hydrogen gas can be written as follows.

C₆H₅CH₃ + H₂ → C₆H₆ + CH₄

While the second most used application involves a disproportionate to a mixture of benzene and xylene.

Toluene as a Precursor to Other Chemicals

Along with the synthesis of benzene and xylene, toluene is used in the manufacture of the following

• Polyurethane foam
• Trinitrotoluene – Explosive
• TNT
• Synthetic Drugs.

Toluene as a Solvent

Toluene is a common solvent used for the following:

• Glues
• Paints
• Paint Thinners
• Printing Ink
• Rubber
• Leather Tanners
• Silicone Sealants
• Chemical Reactants
• Lacquers
• Disinfectants.

Other Applications of Toluene

It can be used in internal combustion engines as gasoline fuel.

Niche Applications of Toluene

It is used as a solvent for carbon nanomaterials, nanotubes and fullerenes.

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