Toluene is a clear, colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet, pungent odor. It's a common ingredient in many products, including paints, paint thinners, and nail polish, and is also used in the production of gasoline, plastics, and other chemicals. Here are some facts about toluene:
- UsesToluene is used in many products, including paints, lacquers, adhesives, rubber, and cleaning agents. It's also added to gasoline to improve octane ratings.
- PropertiesToluene is a good solvent, meaning it can dissolve other substances. It's less dense than water and will float on top. Toluene is mildly acidic and can cause chemical burns.
- SafetyToluene is a significant fire hazard at room temperature. It can seep into soil and contaminate nearby wells and streams if spilled or improperly disposed of. Inhaling toluene fumes regularly can cause neurological deficits, including dementia and ataxia.
- Other namesToluene is also known as toluol, methylbenzene, or phenylmethane.