Benzene
Description
Benzene is the basis of a group of hydrocarbons referred to as 'aromatics.' It is a clear colorless liquid, with a characteristic aromatic smell. Benzene is produced worldwide in substantial quantities, and because it is very easy to transport by ship, it is traded internationally.
Applications
Benzene is a very important basic chemical. It is the starting point for many derivatives required in the production of a wide range of goods used in everyday life. For example, benzene and ethylene are used to produce styrene, from which polystyrene is made. It is also used to produce cyclohexane, a precursor to caprolactam, which is used to produce nylon. Well-known commodity chemicals like polystyrene and nylon are subsequently used to manufacture everyday items including clothing, paints, computer casings, and packaging.
Properties
| Physical state (15 °C) | Liquid |
| Color | Clear, colorless |
| Odor | Aromatic |
Specifications
| Benzene (%wt) | 99.9 Minimum |
| Toluene (mg/kg) | 150 Maximum |
| Methylcyclohexane (mg/kg) | 200 Maximum |
| Non-aromatic (mg/kg) | 700 Maximum |
| Xylenes (mg/kg) | 150 Maximum |
| Water (mg/kg) | 200 Maximum |
| Sulphur (mg/kg) | 1.0 Maximum |
| Thiofene (mg/kg) | 1 Maximum |
| Nitrogen (mg/kg) | 1.0 Maximum |
| Bromine (mg Br/100g) | 10 Maximum |
| Clorine (mg/kg) | 1 Maximum |
Capacity
500 kt in UK (minus 300 kt captive consumption into cyclohexane)
Datasheets
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| Material Safety Datasheets | |
| REACH Declaration | |
| English | |
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Contact
Jochem Wolfis
Sales Manager Benzene & Derivatives
SBU Chemicals
Europaboulevard 1
P.O. Box 5151, 6130 PD, Sittard
The Netherlands
T: +31 46 722 2722
F: +31 10 264 4803
E: jochem.wolfis@sabic-europe.com