• Toluene is a colorless organic solvent with a special smell. It is an aromatic hydrocarbon with the formula C6H5-CH3.
• Toluene is used as a substitute for toxic benzene and is added to fuel.
• Toluene is used as a raw material for the production of many other chemicals such as drugs, dyes, detergents, perfumes, explosives and synthetic resins.
• Toluene is used as a raw material for the production of other chemicals. They, for example, sometimes make benzoic acid from it. Benzoic acid is used as a preservative in food, beverages, and cosmetics. The antiseptic known as Chloramine T is also made from toluene. Explosives makers use toluene to make trinitrite toluene, otherwise known as TNT. Paint makers use toluene as a varnish solvent. Toluene is also used in many dyes and perfumes.