CAS Registry Number: 71-43-2
Additional Names: Benzol; cyclohexatriene
Molecular Formula: C6H6
Molecular Weight: 78.11
Percent Composition: C 92.26%, H 7.74%
Natural component of petroleum, usually <1.0% by weight.
Discovered by Faraday in compressed oil gas in 1825. Obtained in the
coking of coal and in the production of illuminating gas from coal.
Manuf by catalytic reforming and separation of aromatic compounds,
thermal or catalytic dealkylation of toluene, toluene
disproportionation; from pyrolysis gasoline. Purification by washing
with water: GB 863711 (1961 to Schloven-Chemie and H. Koppers GmbH), C.A. 55, 16971f (1961). Lab prepn from aniline: Gattermann-Wieland, Praxis des Organischen Chemikers (de Gruyter, Berlin, 40th ed., 1961) p 247. Production of pure benzene: French, Ind. Chem. 39, 9-12 (1963). Manuf: Faith, Keyes & Clark's Industrial Chemicals, F. A. Lowenheim, M. K. Moran, Eds. (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 4th ed., 1975) pp 126-137. Physical properties: Thorne et al., Ind. Eng. Chem. Anal. Ed. 17, 481 (1945). Solubility studies: F. P. Schwarz, Anal. Chem. 52, 10 (1980). Toxicity data: Kimura et al., Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 19, 699 (1971). Review: W. Fruscella in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology vol. 4 (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 4th ed., 1992) pp 73-103. Reviews of toxicology: R. Snyder et al., Rev. Biochem. Toxicol. 3, 123-154 (1981); D. J. Paustenbach et al., Environ. Health Perspect. 101, Suppl. 6, 177-200 (1993); and human exposure: Toxicological Profile for Benzene (PB98-101157, 1997) 463 pp. Symposia on metabolism, toxicity and carcinogenesis: Environ. Health Perspect. 82, 3-310 (1989); ibid. 104, Suppl. 6, 1121-1441 (1996).
Properties: Clear, colorless, volatile, highly flammable liquid; characteristic odor. d415 0.8787. bp 80.1°. mp 5.5°. nD20
1.50108. Flash pt, closed cup: 12°F (-11°C). Soly in water at 23.5°C
(w/w): 0.188%. Miscible with alcohol, chloroform, ether, carbon
disulfide, carbon tetrachloride, glacial acetic acid, acetone, oils. Keep in well-closed containers in a cool place and away from fire. LD50 orally in young adult rats: 3.8 ml/kg (Kimura).
Melting point: mp 5.5°
Boiling point: bp 80.1°
Flash point: Flash pt, closed cup: 12°F (-11°C)
Index of refraction: nD20 1.50108
Density: d415 0.8787
Toxicity data: LD50 orally in young adult rats: 3.8 ml/kg (Kimura)
Derivative Type: Sodium deriv
Additional Names: Phenyl sodium
Molecular Formula: C6H5Na
Molecular Weight: 100.09
Percent Composition: C 72.00%, H 5.04%, Na 22.97%
Literature References: Prepn: Schlosser, Angew. Chem. 76, 267 (1964).
Properties: Solid mass, dec by water, acids, alkalies. Sol in liquid ammonia, tetrahydrofuran.
Potential symptoms of overexposure by inhalation or ingestion are
dizziness, headache, vomiting, visual disturbances, staggering gait,
hilarity, fatigue, anorexia, lassitude, CNS depression, loss of
consciousness, respiratory arrest. Chronic exposure has been associated
with bone marrow depression and leukemia. Direct contact may cause
irritation of eyes, nose, respiratory system and skin; dermititis may
develop due to defatting action. Aspiration into the lung may lead to
chemical pneumonitis. See Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology vol. 2B, G. D. Clayton, F. E. Clayton, Eds. (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 4th ed., 1994) pp 1306-1326; NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 26. Benzene is listed as a known human carcinogen: Report on Carcinogens, Eleventh Edition (PB2005-104914, 2004) p III-26.
Manuf of industrial chemicals such as polymers, detergents, pesticides
pharmaceuticals, dyes, plastics, resins. Solvent for waxes, resins,
oils, natural rubber, etc. Gasoline additive.
Therap-Cat-Vet: Has been used as a disinfectant