Product overview
Toluene (methylbenzene, toluol, CAS 108-88-3) is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor, insoluble in water and miscible with most organic solvents. Its strong solvency for resins, rubbers, oils and tars, moderate evaporation rate and low freezing point make it one of the most used aromatic solvents and an important feedstock for benzene, toluene diisocyanate and benzoic acid.
The grade supplied is specified at ≥ 99.9 % toluene by mass with ≤ 0.03 % benzene, ≤ 0.05 % C8 aromatics, ≤ 0.1 % non-aromatics, ≤ 2 ppm total sulfur, ≤ 3 mg/100 mL evaporation residue, ≤ 10 Hazen color, a neutral reaction and a density of 0.867 g/cm³. Water content is reported on each certificate of analysis.
Toluene boils at 110.6 °C and has a flash point of 4 °C closed cup (16 °C open cup); it is a highly flammable liquid transported as UN 1294. ChemPortal supplies it in steel drums, IBC totes and ISO tank containers.
Key features
- Purity ≥ 99.9 % by mass, color ≤ 10 Hazen
- Benzene ≤ 0.03 %, C8 aromatics ≤ 0.05 %
- Total sulfur ≤ 2 ppm, evaporation residue ≤ 3 mg/100 mL
- Density 0.867 g/cm³; boiling point 110.6 °C
- UN 1294 flammable liquid; drums, IBCs, ISO tanks
Applications
- Solvent for paints, lacquers, thinners and coatings
- Rubber cements, contact adhesives and sealants
- Printing inks and leather treatment
- Feedstock for TDI (polyurethane foams) and benzoic acid
- Benzene and xylene production by disproportionation
- Extraction solvent and octane booster
Analysis specification
| Parameter | Limit |
|---|---|
| Color HAZEN | ≤ 10 |
| Density | 0.867 |
| Purity (mass fraction) % | ≥ 99.9 |
| Benzene content (mass fraction) % | ≤ 0.03 |
| C8 aromatics content (mass fraction) % | ≤ 0.05 |
| Non-aromatic content (mass fraction) % | ≤ 0.1 |
| Total sulfur content PPM | ≤ 2 |
| Evaporation residue (mg/ 100mL) | ≤ 3 |
| neutralisation test | Neutral |
| Bromine index (mgBr/100g) | By agreement |
| Water Content PPM | 175.7 |
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Physical properties
- Appearance
- Clear liquid
- Boiling point
- 110.6 °C
- Flash point
- 4 °C (CC); 16 °C (OC)
- Solubility
- Soluble
Identifiers
| CAS No. | 108-88-3 |
| EINECS No. | 203-625-9 |
| HS code | 2902300000 |
| Formula | C7H8 |
| Molecular weight | 92.14 g/mol |
| SMILES | Cc1ccccc1 |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C7H8/c1-7-5-3-2-4-6-7/h2-6H,1H3 |
| InChIKey | YXFVVABEGXRONW-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| Synonyms | methylbenzene, toluol, phenylmethane, methylbenzol |
Transport & safety
- UN number
- UN 1294
- Hazard characteristic
- Flammable and toxic
Dangerous-goods classification and handling instructions are provided in the safety data sheet, available on request.
Packaging & logistics




Standard packaging options. Confirm the packaging, lot size and delivery terms with your quotation.
Frequently asked questions
What benzene content does the toluene contain?
≤ 0.03 % by mass, which meets the requirements of most coating and adhesive producers that limit benzene for health and labeling reasons. The value is confirmed on the certificate of analysis for each lot.
What is the difference between toluene and xylene as solvents?
Toluene evaporates faster (boiling point 110.6 °C versus about 138–140 °C for xylene) and has slightly stronger solvency, so it is chosen for quick-drying adhesives and inks, while xylene is preferred for slower-drying alkyd and epoxy coatings.
How should toluene be stored?
In closed, grounded containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from oxidizers and ignition sources; its flash point is 4 °C. Transport classification is UN 1294. Consult the SDS for exposure limits and protective equipment.
Which packaging options are available?
Steel drums, 1,000 L IBC totes and ISO tank containers. Send ChemPortal the required volume and destination port and we will quote delivered terms with lead time.
Published reference specifications. Confirm the current grade, SDS / TDS / COA, packaging and delivery terms with your quotation.
