Benzene

CAS: 71-43-2

Overview

Benzene (CAS 71-43-2 ) is a foundational aromatic hydrocarbon used as a chemical intermediate and solvent across petrochemical and industrial manufacturing. It serves as a primary building block for producing a broad range of downstream chemicals at industrial scale.

The largest commercial use of benzene is in the production of ethylbenzene, cumene, and cyclohexane. These intermediates feed into styrene, phenol, and nylon supply chains respectively, supporting global manufacturing sectors.

In the pharmaceutical sector, it functions as a process solvent and precursor in the synthesis of active ingredients and fine chemicals. Dye and pigment manufacturers rely on benzene-derived intermediates to produce colorants.

These colorants are used extensively in printing inks and packaging materials. It also underpins the production of detergent alkylates and rubber processing chemicals used across personal care and industrial formulations.

Benzene is supplied as a liquid in bulk quantities, typically via tanker or ISO container for large-volume industrial buyers. Standard commercial grades include technical-grade and nitration-grade for various applications.

Purity specifications are commonly at 99.9% or higher to meet rigorous industrial requirements. Procurement is generally handled through petrochemical distributors or direct refinery supply agreements given the volume requirements.

Physical Properties

Melting Point	5.5 °C
Boiling Point	80.1 °C
Density	0.8787 g/cm³ @ Temp: 15 °C
Flash Point	12 °F
Appearance	Benzene is a clear, volatile, colorless, highly flammable liquid with a pleasant, characteristic odor.
Color	APHA: ≤10
Odor	Paint-thinner-like odor detectable at 12 ppm
Form	Liquid
Water Solubility	0.18 g/100 mL
Vapor Pressure	166 mm Hg ( 37.7 °C)
Refractive Index	n 20/D 1.501(lit.)
Log P	2.130

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS02 GHS07 GHS08 GHS09 Hazard Statements H225 Highly Flammable liquid and vapor H302 Harmful if swallowed H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways H315 Causes skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation H332 Harmful if inhaled H335 May cause respiratory irritation H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness H340 May cause genetic defects H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects H350 May cause cancer H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child H370 Causes damage to organs H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure H401 Toxic to aquatic life H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects Precautionary Statements P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use. P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. P233 Keep container tightly closed. P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment. P241 Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment. P242 Use non-sparking tools. P243 Take action to prevent static discharges. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P317 Get emergency medical help. P318 IF exposed or concerned, get medical advice. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P331 Do NOT induce vomiting. P391 Collect spillage. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P308+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P370+P378 Use … for extinction. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P403+P235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool. P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code	29022000
UN Number	1114
ADR Class	3
Packing Group	II
Storage Class	3 - Flammable liquids
WGK (Germany)	3

Other Names

Industries

Food & Nutrition Personal Care & Cosmetics Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare Printing & Packaging