INDUSTRIAL THINNER (TOLUENE)
- Cas No: 108-88-3
- EINESC No: 203-625-9
- Molecular Weight: 92.141 gr/mol
![](https://www.akelgrupkimya.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/tenekeyeni.png)
Tin
-
![](https://www.akelgrupkimya.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/varilyeni.png)
Barrel
180 Kg
![](https://www.akelgrupkimya.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ibcyeni.png)
IBC
900 Kg
![](https://www.akelgrupkimya.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/tankeryeni.png)
Pouring
5-25 Ton
Physical characteristics
- General Properties: Colorless liquid
- Smell: Sharp, sweet
- Density: 0.87 g/mL (20 °C)
- Boiling Point: 111 °C
- Melting Point: -95°C
- Flash Point: 4 °C
- Vapor Pressure: 2.8 kPa (20 °C)
- Solubility(in water): 0.52 g/L (20°C)
- Refractive Index: 1.497 nD (20 °C)
production
Although the production of Toulen is very different, today it is usually obtained from crude oil or coal.
General features
Toluene is a colorless hydrocarbon with the characteristics of thinners, also found in crude oil (albeit in small quantities). It is formed by the addition of a methyl group to a benzene ring. That’s why it is named methyl benzene according to IUPAC rules. Toluene is non-polar, but thanks to its methyl group, it is a very good solvent for many organic substances. Compared to benzene, it is both non-carcinogenic and a better solvent, making it useful in many industries.
Toluene is also a much better reagent than benzene due to the reactivity provided by the methyl group. Therefore, it is used as a raw material in the production of many aromatic compounds. One of the most dangerous properties of toluene is its use as an illegal recreational drug. It is used as an ‘inhalant’ all over the world as a cheap recreational drug and can cause very serious neurological problems when used in this way.
Usage areas
Toluene is most commonly used as a thinner in industry. Toluene is a very common solvent used in paints, paint thinners, silicone sealants, adhesives, printing inks, lacquers and many different industrial fields. Toulen is also a precursor to many chemicals. Benzene and xylene are obtained from toluene. It forms mono, di and tri polyenes by nitration and these chemicals are raw materials especially in the production of polyurethanes. Trinitro toluene, also known as TNT, is an explosive. Some commercial chemicals such as benzoic acid and benzaldehyde are also produced by the oxidation of toluene. However, toluene is a very good fuel and can be used both in pure form and mixed with other fuels.
Safety Precautions and Toxicity
Toluene is toxic to humans. It can cause very serious damage to the central nervous system and can even cause death in cases of repeated exposure to high levels. Short-term inhalation of toluene causes effects such as nausea, dizziness, and weakness. These effects usually subside a few hours after exposure and pass over time. In higher amounts, it may cause effects such as loss of consciousness, permanent disorders in color and vision loss. At the same time, long-term exposure to toluene may cause damage to internal organs such as the heart, kidney, and liver. The person’s blood values are also severely affected. Although it generally does not accumulate in the body, toluene has been observed in adipose tissues in some cases. Studies show that toluene harms fertility.
Toluene is also extremely irritating in case of skin and eye contact and can cause serious visual impairment. Toluene is also extremely flammable. It can form explosive mixtures with air and, as its density is less than water, fires cannot usually be extinguished with water. In addition, since it is a gas heavier than air, it can cause accumulation on the ground in closed warehouses. Therefore, care must be taken when working with toluene, and it should be kept in well-ventilated areas. It should be kept away from any source of fire and heat. Precautions should be taken to minimize the exposure of workers working with toluene.