What is benzene used for today?

1 Answer
Jan 30, 2016

Benzene has various uses, and is found in cigarette smoke and crude oil.

Explanation:

Benzene is an important organic chemical compound with the chemical formula #"C"_6"H"_6#.

Human exposure to benzene has been associated with a range of acute and long-term adverse health effects and diseases, including cancer and aplastic anaemia. Exposure can occur as a result of the ubiquitous use of benzene-containing petroleum products, including motor fuels and synthetic chemicals as shown bellow.

https://aimeesimps0n.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/benzene-ring.jpg

Uses:

In quick summary (http://www.ehow.com/about_5262758_uses-benzene.html):

  • Benzene is used in the production of rubber. Manufacturers use products that contain benzene as solvents in various steps of the production, and the adhesives used to attach soles to shoes contain benzene.

  • Benzene is contained in products used in the printing industry for cleaning and maintaining printing equipment. Ink that is used in printing frequently contains benzene, and as base and top coat paints and sealers.

  • Petroleum and oil refineries produce products that contain benzene, such as gasoline, fuel oils and kerosene. These products, which are fractionally distilled, are used by engineers, pipe fitters and electricians. Benzene is also used in the production of asphalt that is used by roofing and paving companies.

  • Benzene is used in manufacturing chemical synthetic products such as nylon, styrene and Styrofoam.