| Benzene |
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Physical Properties
Color - Black
Odor - Sweet and Aromatic Odor
Density - \(0.03167 \; lbm/in^3 \;\)@\(\; 68 \; F^\circ \; (0.8765 \; g/cc \;\)@\(\; 20 \; C^\circ)\)
Viscosity - \(0.604 \; cP \;\)@\(\; 77 \; F^\circ \; (0.604 \; cP \;\)@\(\; 25 \; C^\circ)\)
Molar Mass - \(78.11 \; g/mol \;(78.11 \; g/mol)\)
Vapor Pressure - \(75.0 \; torr \;\)@\(\; 68 \; F^\circ \; (0.1000 \;bar \;\)@\(\; 20 \; C^\circ)\)
Surface Tension - \(28.22 \; dynes/cm \;(28.22 \; dynes/cm)\)
Chemical Properties
Chemical Formula - \(C_6 H_6\)
State of Matter - Liquid
Flammability - Highly Flammable
Electrical Properties
Dielectric Constant - \(2.274 \;(2.274)\)
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 - \(1.5011 \;\)@\(\; 68 \; F^\circ \; \lambda \; 589.3 \; mm \; (1.5011 \;\)@\(\; 20 \; C^\circ \; \lambda \; 589.3 \; mm)\)
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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.
