Toluene is a substance present in crude oil.
Toluene is a substance that is also known as methylbenzene . It is an aromatic hydrocarbon that is produced from benzene . Toluene can be used to manufacture TNT , dyes, detergents and aromatic products, among other items.
This substance can be found in nature in trees of the Myroxylon genus and in crude oil . It can also be obtained through different industrial processes. About five million tons of toluene are produced annually.
Characteristics of toluene
In addition to these data that we have disclosed about toluene, it is worth discovering others that are especially interesting:
- It has a boiling point of 111º C.
- It does not have solubility in water.
- Its flash point is 4º C.
- Its melting point is -95º C.
- Among the safety measures that are necessary for people who are in contact with toluene to carry out are always wearing gloves and protective clothing. In the same way, it is indicated that it is essential that it be kept away from children and that if, by accident, it is ingested, the person should be immediately transferred to the nearest hospital.
TNT can be synthesized with toluene.
Its uses
Among its many uses, its use as a solvent in resins , adhesives and paints stands out.
Toluene, on the other hand, is included in fuels thanks to its anti-knock property. The substance also allows the synthesis of TNT that is used for the production of explosives.
Toluene toxicity
It should be noted that toluene is stable when found under normal conditions. Its toxicity is relatively low, at least when compared to substances such as benzene , for example.
Toluene, however, can cause nausea , memory problems, fatigue and confusion as it affects the nervous system . When the person is no longer exposed to toluene, the symptoms tend to disappear. However, if an individual breathes a high concentration of toluene, they can lose consciousness and even die. In contact with the skin, toluene causes irritation and can even cause dermatitis .
If the aforementioned adverse consequences that it can have on health are important and significant, we must not forget that, in the case of pregnant women, toluene can cause serious damage to the fetus . What's more, numerous studies have been carried out in this regard and they have made it clear that this element has been the cause not only of spontaneous abortions but also of the birth of babies with certain problems or disorders.
Not to mention that it is capable of creating serious lung problems, lack of coordination, cardiac disturbances, mental confusion, severe eye irritation and kidney damage.
It is important to mention that the smoke generated by tobacco has a minimum dose of toluene. It is possible to detect up to 5,000 chemical compounds in this smoke, including several that are carcinogenic.