Description

Benzene is a colorless and highly flammable liquid with a sweet smell and a relatively high melting point. It is an important organic chemical compound with the chemical formula C6H6. The benzene molecule is composed of six carbon atoms joined in a planar ring with one hydrogen atom attached to each carbon atom. As it contains only carbon and hydrogen atoms, benzene is classed as a hydrocarbon. Benzene is a natural constituent of crude oil and is one of the most basic petrochemicals. Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon and the second [n]-annulene ([6]-annulene), a cyclic hydrocarbon with a continuous pi bond.

Benzene is widely used in the United States. It ranks in the top 20 chemicals for production volume. Some industries use benzene to make other chemicals that are used to make plastics, resins, and nylon and synthetic fibers. Benzene is also used to make some types of lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. It is also used in the production of tires and rubber, in the printing industry, and as a fuel. Please note that benzene is a carcinogen and should be handled with care. Prolonged exposure can be harmful to health.