Benzene

General Information:

Structure:

CAS Number: 71-43-2

Molecular Weight: 78.11 g/mol

Appearance: Colorless liquid

Melting Point: 5 C

Boiling Point: 80 C

Density: 0.874 g/mL (at 25 C)

Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon that occasionally finds use as a solvent for some reactions. The use of benzene is generally avoided due to its classification of as a human carcinogen. Toluene can often be a suitable alternative for benzene.

Common Uses:

Solvent for reactions

Safety:

Benzene is a human carcinogen and there is no safe level of exposure. Benzene is a highly flammable liquid.

References:

1) Wikipedia: Benzene (link)

2) www.sigmaaldrich.com: Benzene (link)

3) www.alfa.com: L14012 Benzene, 99% (link)