• Briefly, what do I need to know about toluene in an emergency situation?
• Where do you find toluene?
• What should I know about the composition and purity of toluene?
• What are some synonyms for toluene?
• With so many names for toluene, is there a unique identifier for this chemical?

Briefly, what do I need to know about toluene in an emergency situation?

Toluene is a clear, colourless liquid with a benzene-like odour. It is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOUR. The liquid can accumulate static charge by flow or agitation. The vapour is heavier than air and may spread long distances and distant ignition and flashback are possible. The liquid can float on water and may travel to distant locations and/or spread fire. Toluene can decompose at high temperatures forming toxic gases. Closed containers may rupture and explode in heat of fire.

Toluene is a mild central nervous system depressant. The vapour may cause headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion and incoordination. Toluene is a SKIN IRRITANT. It causes moderate skin irritation. It is an aspiration hazard and swallowing or vomiting of the liquid may result in aspiration into the lungs. It is also a REPRODUCTIVE HAZARD -- may cause developmental toxicity, based on animal information.

Toluene is a confined space hazard. It can accumulate in confined spaces, producing a fire and toxicity hazard.

Where do you find toluene?

Toluene is used mainly to make benzene. It is also used to make many other chemicals including toluene diisocyanates, benzoic acid, benzyl chloride, benzoyl chloride, phenol, xylene (mixed isomers), plasticizers (e.g. butyl benzoate), sodium benzoate, benzaldehyde, and styrene. A significant proportion of toluene is not isolated in pure form, but is added to motor fuels as a mixture with other aromatics to improve octane ratings.

Toluene is also an important solvent and is used for paints and coatings; in inks, gums, and resins; in the leather industry; most oils; rubber; vinyl organosols; pharmaceuticals; and other formulated products using a solvent carrier; as an adhesive solvent in plastic toys and model airplanes; as a paint thinner; and as a diluent and thinner in nitrocellulose lacquers. Toluene occurs in nature in crude oil, natural gas deposits and the volatile emissions from volcanoes and forest fires.

What should I know about the composition and purity of toluene?

Some grades of toluene contain as impurities small amounts of ethylbenzene, xylene isomers and/or benzene (level reported to vary between about 0.025 and 1% depending on grade of toluene). Consult your manufacturer/supplier or Material Safety Data Sheet for the exact composition of the toluene in the product you are using.

What are some synonyms for toluene?

Toluene is also known as methylbenzene, methylbenzol, phenylmethane, toluol, and toluène.

With so many names for toluene, is there a unique identifier for this chemical?

Its CAS Registry Number is 108-88-3. This number is assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) in the United States and is used as a unique identifier number world-wide.

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Document last updated on December 5, 2008

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