Benzene: Properties, Applications, and Specifications
Benzene is a colorless, highly flammable liquid with a sweet odor. It is an aromatic hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C6H6. Benzene is a naturally occurring component of crude oil and is used in various industries for its unique properties. In this article, we will discuss the properties, applications, and specifications of benzene.
PROPERTIES
Benzene has a boiling point of 80.1 °C and a melting point of 5.5 °C. It is a highly reactive compound that readily undergoes substitution reactions with various other compounds. Benzene is a good solvent for organic compounds and is insoluble in water. It has a density of 0.88 g/mL and a molecular weight of 78.11 g/mol.
APPLICATION
Benzene is used in various industries such as the petrochemical industry, pharmaceutical industry, and rubber industry. It is used as a starting material for the production of numerous chemicals such as styrene, cumene, cyclohexane, aniline, and phenol. Benzene is also used as a solvent in the production of paints, coatings, and adhesives. It is used in the production of synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester. Additionally, benzene is used in the production of detergents, explosives, and pesticides.
SPECIFICATION
Purity: The purity of benzene used in industry must be greater than 99%. The presence of impurities such as toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene can have detrimental effects on product quality and safety.
Appearance: Benzene should appear as a clear, colorless liquid with no visible impurities.
Boiling Point: The boiling point of benzene is 80.1 °C. Deviation from this value may indicate the presence of impurities or degradation of the product.
Melting Point: The melting point of benzene is 5.5 °C. Deviation from this value may also indicate the presence of impurities or degradation of the product.
Density: Benzene has a density of 0.88 g/mL. Deviation from this value may indicate the presence of impurities or degradation of the product.
Molecular Weight: The molecular weight of benzene is 78.11 g/mol. Deviation from this value may also indicate the presence of impurities or degradation of the product.
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): The PEL for benzene is typically less than 1 ppm (parts per million) established by various regulatory agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
In conclusion, benzene is an important industrial chemical with numerous applications. Its unique properties make it a valuable starting material for the production of various chemicals and products. The specifications for benzene ensure its safe use in industry and protect the health and safety of workers who handle it.
