Toluene

Product Overview

Toluene (C₇H₈) is a colorless, volatile liquid with a sweet, aromatic odor that is widely used as an industrial solvent and chemical intermediate. With a boiling range near 110.6°C, it offers excellent solvency for a broad spectrum of organic compounds, including resins, waxes, dyes, and polymers. Its low viscosity (0.59 cP at 25°C) and favorable vapor-pressure characteristics enable efficient evaporation and fast drying in coatings and formulation processes. The material is supplied with stringent purity specifications, including high assay accuracy (99–100.5 wt%), low water content, and controlled impurity levels, ensuring repeatable performance in sensitive analytical and manufacturing workflows.

In addition to its role as a solvent, toluene is a key chemical intermediate used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and various specialty chemicals. It is compatible with many organic solvents and is commonly employed in HPLC mobile phases, paint and coating formulations, and liquid-liquid extraction schemes in research environments. Compliance with established standards such as ACS Reagent Grade and USP-NF Monograph underscores its suitability for both analytical and production applications while maintaining traceable quality control and batch-to-batch consistency.

Key Properties

• Property Name: Assay (wt%)
• Chemical Formula: C₇H₈
• Molecular Weight: 92.14 g/mol
• Boiling Point: 110.6°C
• Specific Gravity: 0.867 (25°C typical)
• Water Content: 0.02–0.05% (Karl Fischer)
• Color (APHA): ≤5 (typical 2)
• Heavy Metals (as Pb): ≤0.02–0.3 ppm (typical 0.02–0.3, ICP-MS/ICP-OES)
• Chloride (Cl⁻): ≤0.3–1.0 ppm (typical 0.3 ppm)
• nitrate(NO₃⁻): ≤0.5–2.0 ppm (typical 0.5–0.5)
• Ammonium (NH₄⁺): ≤0.1–0.5 ppm (typical 0.1 ppm)
• Sulfate (SO₄²⁻): ≤0.5–2.0 ppm (typical 0.5 ppm)

Common Applications

• HPLC Mobile Phase: Commonly used as a mobile phase component in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography for separating organic compounds.
• Solvent for Paints: Utilized as a solvent in the formulation of paints and coatings due to its excellent solvency properties.
• Chemical Intermediate: Serves as a precursor in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
• Extraction Solvent: Used in liquid-liquid extraction processes for isolating organic compounds from mixtures.
• Adhesive Component: Acts as a solvent in the production of adhesives and sealants.
• Process Solvent: Employed in manufacturing processes requiring rapid evaporation and solvent power for resin systems.
• Electronic Materials: Used in specialty coatings and cleaning formulations for electronic components.

Safety Precautions

Handle and store under a well-ventilated atmosphere in cool areas away from heat sources and open flames. Containers should be HDPE or glass to minimize reactive interactions. Always wear appropriate PPE, including chemical-resistant gloves and splash goggles, and maintain sufficient ventilation to prevent vapor accumulation. Follow storage guidelines to minimize oxidation and decomposition, and keep away from oxidizers and strong acids.

In case of exposure, refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed emergency procedures. Toluene presents serious hazards including flammability and acute toxicity; the product’s hazard statements include H225 (Highly flammable liquid and vapor), H332 (Harmful if inhaled), and H336 (May cause drowsiness or dizziness). In the event of inhalation or skin/eye contact, follow standard first aid procedures: move to fresh air, rinse eyes with water for several minutes, wash skin with soap and water, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Ingestion requires immediate medical consultation; do not induce vomiting.

Benefits

✔ High Purity and Consistency – Meets ACS Reagent Grade and USP-NF Monograph standards with tightly controlled impurity profiles and minimal water content for reliable batch-to-batch performance.
✔ Excellent Solvency – Broad compatibility with organic compounds and fast evaporation suit coatings, adhesives, and analytical separations.
✔ Analytical Compatibility – Refractive index and purity parameters support rapid QC verification and process control in laboratory environments.