Chemical laboratory

Toluene

High-Purity Aromatic Solvent for Industrial Applications

  • CAS 108-88-3
  • Formula C₇H₈
  • Flash Pt 4 °C
  • Density 0.867 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 110.6 °C °C
Flash point 4 °C °C
Density 0.867 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility 0.052 g/100 mL at 20 °C -
Ph N/A -
Molecular weight 92.14 g/mol g/mol
Melting point -95 °C °C
Vapor pressure 29 mmHg at 25°C mmHg
Autoignition temp 480 °C -
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid -
Odor Aromatic, benzene-like -
Vapor density 3.14 (air = 1) g/cm³

Overview

Toluene (C₇H₈) is a clear, colorless aromatic hydrocarbon with a characteristic benzene-like odor. As a methylbenzene compound, toluene serves as one of the most versatile and widely used industrial solvents in chemical manufacturing, coatings, and electronics applications. With its excellent solvating properties and moderate volatility, toluene provides superior performance in dissolving resins, oils, and other organic compounds while maintaining chemical stability under normal operating conditions.

Key Applications

  • Industrial Solvent - Primary use in paint formulations, coatings, and adhesives manufacturing where its excellent dissolving properties and controlled evaporation rate ensure optimal product performance and application characteristics.
  • Chemical Intermediate - Essential feedstock for producing benzyl derivatives, benzoic acid, and various aromatic compounds used in pharmaceutical and specialty chemical synthesis.
  • Electronics Cleaning - High-purity grades effectively remove flux residues and contaminants from electronic components without leaving residue or causing damage to sensitive materials.
  • Gasoline Octane Booster - Improves fuel octane ratings in petroleum refining operations, contributing to enhanced engine performance and reduced knock characteristics.

Safety & Handling

Toluene has a flash point of 4°C, classifying it as a flammable liquid requiring careful handling procedures. Work areas must maintain adequate ventilation to prevent vapor accumulation, and all ignition sources should be eliminated. Personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and respiratory protection is essential when handling concentrations above permissible exposure limits. The autoignition temperature of 480°C provides a safety margin in properly controlled environments.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store toluene in tightly sealed containers made of compatible materials such as steel or aluminum in cool, well-ventilated areas away from heat sources and oxidizing agents. Maintain storage temperatures below 25°C to minimize vapor pressure and reduce fire risk. Keep containers away from strong acids, bases, and oxidizers to prevent unwanted reactions. When stored properly, toluene maintains its quality indefinitely due to its chemical stability.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical provides same-day shipping of high-quality Toluene from our Taylor, Texas facility via UPS, LTL, and FTL carriers to ensure rapid delivery across North America. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) documenting purity specifications and quality testing results, supporting your operational compliance and quality assurance requirements.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Same-day shipping on orders before 1 PM CT

Available Sizes

Toluene - 1 Quart Can

1 Quart Can

$22.00

 Toluene - 1 Gallon

1 Gallon

$41.80

 Toluene - 5 Gallon Pail

5 Gallon Pail

$148.39

 Toluene - 55 Gallon Drum

55 Gallon Drum

$1,138.35
View all sizes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is toluene (CAS 108-88-3) and what is it used for?
Toluene (C7H8, CAS 108-88-3) is an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent used as a diluent, cleaning agent and chemical intermediate. It is widely used in paints, coatings, adhesives, printing inks, degreasing, and laboratory applications where a nonpolar organic solvent is required.
How should toluene be stored and what is its typical shelf life?
Store toluene in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area away from heat, ignition sources and incompatible materials, in tightly closed, grounded containers. If kept sealed and stabilized, toluene is stable for several years; for critical uses check the supplier's certificate of analysis and follow any recommended re‑test periods (commonly 1–3 years).
What safety precautions are required when handling toluene?
Toluene is a flammable liquid and can cause CNS effects if inhaled at high concentrations, so use local exhaust or fume hoods, flame‑proof equipment and appropriate PPE (chemical gloves, goggles, lab coat). Follow occupational exposure limits (e.g., OSHA PEL 200 ppm TWA; consult local limits), keep away from ignition sources, and follow the SDS for first aid and spill response procedures.
How do different concentrations and grades of toluene (technical, reagent, anhydrous) differ?
Toluene is offered in grades such as technical (higher impurity), reagent/solvent grade (higher purity) and anhydrous (water‑free) or HPLC grade for analytical work; the grade affects impurity profile, water content and suitability for specific applications. Choose grade based on required purity, moisture sensitivity and downstream reactions, and consult the COA for exact impurity and water specifications.
What documentation can suppliers provide for toluene?
Suppliers routinely provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Certificates of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and, on request, analytical reports such as GC purity, impurity profiles and stability data. Transport documents, regulatory compliance statements and batch traceability records are also available for commercial shipments.
How is toluene shipped and what packaging options are common?
Toluene is transported as a Class 3 flammable liquid under applicable ADR/IMDG/IATA regulations and must follow local and international transport rules. Common packaging includes laboratory bottles, 20–30 L cans, 205 L steel drums, 1000 L IBCs and bulk tanker deliveries, with packaging selection based on quantity and regulatory requirements.
Which materials are compatible or incompatible with toluene?
Toluene is compatible with materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, glass and PTFE, but it attacks or swells many plastics and elastomers (for example polystyrene, polycarbonate, some PVC grades, natural rubber and certain paints/coatings). For pump seals, gaskets and piping, select materials rated for aromatic hydrocarbons and perform compatibility testing when in doubt.
What are the key technical specifications for toluene I should check?
Key specs include CAS 108-88-3, formula C7H8, molecular weight 92.14 g·mol−1, boiling point ~110.6 °C, melting point ~−95 °C, density ~0.866–0.87 g·mL−1 (20 °C) and closed cup flash point ≈4 °C. Also verify purity (%), water content, specific impurities (benzene content is critical), and analytical methods shown on the COA.
Which industries and specific applications commonly use toluene?
Toluene is used across coatings and paints, adhesives and sealants, printing inks, rubber and polymer production, petrochemical processing and laboratory research as a solvent and intermediate. It is also used in degreasing/cleaning operations and as a feedstock for synthesis of other chemicals.
How can I purchase toluene and what availability or lead times should I expect?
Toluene is widely available from chemical distributors and manufacturers in volumes from small bottles to bulk tanker loads; lead times depend on regional inventory, grade and order size. When purchasing, confirm required grade, request SDS/COA, provide appropriate shipping information and be aware of any regulatory or end‑use restrictions that may affect supply.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Available for all products

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