The key difference between benzene and toluene is their structure; toluene has a methyl group attached to the benzene ring while benzene has no methyl groups attached.
Benzene and Toluene are two aromatic compounds having a slight difference between them in their structure. This structural difference has led to various differences in their reactivity and usage. In general, they are both toxic and volatile; exist in liquid form at the room temperature.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Benzene
3. What is Toluene
4. Side by Side Comparison – Benzene vs Toluene in Tabular Form
5. Summary
What is Benzene?
Benzene (C6H6) is an aromatic hydrocarbon with exceptional stability due to its circular conjugated structure. Unlike other hydrocarbons, benzene has a hexagonal molecular structure formed by joining six carbon atoms together with alternative double bonds between carbon atoms. This gives extra stability to the molecule.
Six hydrogen atoms are bonded to six carbon atoms via single bonds. It exists in liquid form at room temperature, where a clear colourless liquid with a characteristic sweet smell. It is both volatile and flammable. Benzene contains 92.3% of carbon and 7.7% of hydrogen by weight in its molecular formula C6H6.
Some industries use benzene to produce other chemicals; for example to make chemicals that are used to produce plastics, resins, nylon, and synthetic fibres. In addition, it is also used to make some types of rubbers, lubricants, detergents, dyes, drugs and pesticides.
Benzene is considered a toxic and carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemical that causes both acute and chronic health effects. Long-term exposure can cause problems in blood production and affect the bone marrow. Short-term exposure to high levels of benzene may cause dizziness, drowsiness, unconsciousness and death.
What is Toluene?
Toluene is also known as methyl benzene. It is a benzene derivative with the molecular formula C7H8. One hydrogen atom in benzene is replaced by a methyl (–CH3) group in the Toluene molecule. Toluene is colourless, non-corrosive, volatile, aromatic liquid with a characteristic odour.
It is a hazardous chemical that causes irritation to eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. It also causes problems in the central nervous system causing headache, drowsiness or other effects. It may cause lung damages if it is swallowed. The severe exposure can cause serious problems such as respiratory depression, unconsciousness, convulsions or death.
Despite these health effects, toluene is used in several industrial application. One of the major uses of toluene is mixing with gasoline to improve its octane ratings. It is also used to produce benzene and a useful solvent in paints, coatings, synthetic fragrances, adhesives, cleaning agents and inks. In addition, it is used in the polymer industry; for example, toluene is used to make nylon, polyurethanes, and plastic soda bottles. Moreover, it is used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetic nail products, dyes and organic chemicals.
What is the Difference Between Benzene and Toluene?
Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon with the molecular formula C6H6 while toluene is a benzene derivative with the molecular formula C7H8. The key difference between benzene and toluene is their structure; toluene has a methyl group attached to the benzene ring while benzene has no methyl groups attached. This structural difference has led to various differences in their reactivity and usage. For example, benzene is highly reactive than toluene.
Below info-graphic lists the differences between benzene and toluene in tabular form.
Summary – Benzene vs Toluene
The key difference between benzene and toluene is their structure; toluene has a methyl group attached to the benzene ring while benzene has no methyl groups attached. This structural difference has led to various differences in their reactivity and usage.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Benzene-2D-flat” By Benjah-bmm27 [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
2. “Toluene” By Luigi Chiesa (Drawn by Luigi Chiesa) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
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