Description

Toluene is an aromatic hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C₇H₈. It’s essentially a benzene ring (C₆H₆) with one hydrogen replaced by a methyl group (–CH₃). Here are some key points about it:

1. Structure:

Molecular formula: C₇H₈

Structural formula: CH₃–C₆H₅

It has a single methyl group attached to a benzene ring.

2. Physical Properties:

Appearance: Colorless, water-insoluble liquid

Boiling point: ~110.6 °C

Density: ~0.867 g/mL

Smell: Sweet, aromatic odor

3. Uses:

Solvent in paints, coatings, adhesives, and chemical reactions

Precursor in the manufacture of benzene derivatives, such as TNT (trinitrotoluene)

Used in the production of toluene diisocyanate (for polyurethanes)

4. Health & Safety:

Flammable

Can affect the central nervous system if inhaled in large amounts

Long-term exposure can cause liver or kidney damage

5. Chemical Reactions:

Undergoes electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions, e.g., nitration, halogenation

Can be oxidized to benzoic acid

Here’s the structural formula of toluene:

H
|
H — C — H
|
C6H5

Or more commonly represented showing the benzene ring:

CH3
|
C6 — C — H
/ \ / \
| C |
\ / \ /
C — C

To make it clearer in text form, the simplest way is:

CH3
|
C6H5 — Benzene ring

So essentially, a methyl group (–CH₃) is attached to one carbon of the benzene ring.