B

Benzene

IUPAC: benzene

C6H6 Organic Compounds CAS 71-43-2
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC6H6
CAS Number71-43-2
Molecular Weight78.11
Melting Point41.9 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point176.2 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.879 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubility1 to 5 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceBenzene appears as a clear colorless liquid with a petroleum-like odor. Flash point less than 0 °F. Less dense than water and slightly soluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are heavier t...
Also Known Asbenzol; 71-43-2; Cyclohexatriene; benzole; Pyrobenzole; Benzine; Coal naphtha; Pyrobenzol; Benzen; Phene
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Benzene?

Benzene can cause cancer according to California Labor Code. It can cause developmental toxicity and male reproductive toxicity according to an independent committee of scientific and health experts.

Formula & Notation

C6H6

IUPAC Name: benzene

Other Names / Synonyms: benzol; 71-43-2; Cyclohexatriene; benzole; Pyrobenzole; Benzine; Coal naphtha; Pyrobenzol; Benzen; Phene

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Benzene appears as a clear colorless liquid with a petroleum-like odor. Flash point less than 0 °F. Less dense than water and slightly soluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are heavier t.... Molecular formula: C6H6. Molecular weight: 78.11 g/mol. Boiling point: 176.2 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 41.9 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 0.879 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: 1 to 5 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 60 mmHg at 59 °F ; 76 mmHg at 68 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 2.1.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point41.9 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point176.2 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.879 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight78.11
Solubility1 to 5 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceBenzene appears as a clear colorless liquid with a petroleum-like odor. Flash point less than 0 °F. Less dense than water and slightly soluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are heavier t...

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Benzene
Formula C6H6
CAS Number 71-43-2
Molecular Weight 78.11
Synonyms benzol; 71-43-2; Cyclohexatriene; benzole; Pyrobenzole; Benzine; Coal naphtha; Pyrobenzol; Benzen; Phene

Frequently Asked Questions

Benzene can cause cancer according to California Labor Code. It can cause developmental toxicity and male reproductive toxicity according to an independent committee of scientific and health experts.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.