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Benzene
Physical Properties
Color  -  Black
Odor  -  Aromatic Odor
Density -  \(0.03167 \; lbm/in^3 \;\)@\(\; 68 \; F^\circ \; (0.8765 \; g/cc \;\)@\(\; 20 \; C^\circ)\)
Viscosity  -  \(0.604 \; cP \;\)@\(\; 77 \; F^\circ \; (0.604 \; cP \;\)@\(\; 25 \; C^\circ)\)
Molecular Weight  -  \(78.12 \; g/mol\)
Vapor Pressure  -  \(75.0 \; torr \;\)@\(\; 68 \; F^\circ \; (0.1000 \;bar \;\)@\(\; 20 \; C^\circ)\)
Surfacr Tension  -  \(28.22 \; dynes/cm \)
Chemical Properties
Atomic Mass  -  12.0107
Chemical Formula  -  \(C_6  H_6\)
State of Matter  -  Liquid
Flammability  -  Highly Flammable
Critical Pressure  -  \(36700 \; torr \; (48.9 \; bar)\)
Critical Temperature  -  \(552 \; F^\circ \; (288.89 \; C^\circ)\)
Critical Density  -  \(0.0109 \; lb/in^3 \; (0.302 \; g/cc)\)
Critical Molar Volume  -  \(15.6 \; in^3/mol \; (256 \; cm^3/mol)\)
Electrical Properties
Dielectric Constant  -  2.274
Thermal Properties
Melting Point  -  \(41.9 \; F^\circ \; (5.5 \; C^\circ)\)
Boiling Point  -  \(176.2 \; F^\circ \; (80.1 \; C^\circ)\)
Heat of Fusion  -  \(54.35 \; BTU/lb \; (126.3 \; J/g)\)
Heat of Vaporization  -  \(169.2 \; BTU/lb \; (393.2 \; J/g)\)
Specific Heat Capacity  -  \(0.4598 \; BTU/lbF^\circ \; (1.924 \; J/gC^\circ )\)
Thermal Conductivity  -  \(0.9792 \; BTUin/hrft^3F^\circ \; (0.1411 \; W/mK )\)
Optical Properties
Refractive Index  -  \(1.5011 \;\)@\(\; 68 \; F^\circ \; \lambda \; 589.3 \; mm \; (1.5011 \;\)@\(\; 20 \; C^\circ \; \lambda \; 589.3 \; mm)\)
Benzene is a colorless, highly flammable liquid with a sweet, aromatic odor and the chemical formula \(C_6 \; H_6\).  It is the simplest aromatic hydrocarbon and is characterized by a unique cyclic structure.  Unlike typical hydrocarbons with distinct single and double bonds, benzene features six carbon atoms arranged in a planar hexagonal ring.  Each carbon atom is bonded to one hydrogen atom, and importantly, the remaining valence electrons from the carbon atoms are delocalized, forming a continuous cloud of pi-electrons above and below the ring.  This delocalization of electrons contributes significantly to benzene's exceptional stability, a property known as aromaticity.

Benzene is naturally found in crude oil, gasoline, and can also be produced by natural processes like volcanoes and forest fires. Industrially, it is one of the top 20 most produced chemicals and serves as a fundamental precursor in the manufacture of a vast array of other chemicals, including plastics, resins, synthetic fibers (like nylon), rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides.

Despite its widespread industrial utility, benzene is highly toxic and classified as a known human carcinogen.  Exposure, primarily through inhalation, can lead to serious health effects.  Short-term exposure to high levels can cause dizziness, headaches, and unconsciousness, while long-term exposure can severely impact bone marrow, leading to conditions like anemia, a weakened immune system, and an increased risk of leukemia (particularly acute myeloid leukemia).  Due to its toxicity, its use in consumer products is heavily restricted, and regulatory bodies have established strict limits for benzene exposure in workplaces and the environment.

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