Toluene

[History]

In 1844, toluene was first successfully prepared by French scientist Henri Etienne Saint Claire Deville through dry distillation of toluene gum, and the English name toluene was derived from it. In 1861, German chemist Joseph Wilbrandt synthesized impure TNT for the first time using toluene as a raw material. In 1880, high-purity TNT was also successfully prepared from toluene. In 1891, Germany developed an industrial TNT preparation method based on toluene, which has been continuously improved and still in use today.

[Purpose]

1. Widely used as organic solvents and raw materials for synthetic pharmaceuticals, coatings, resins, dyes, explosives, and pesticides, used as standard substances and analytical reagents for chromatographic analysis.

2. Toluene can be used as a raw material for producing benzene and many other chemical products. Thinners and resin solvents used in paint, varnish, varnish, adhesive and ink manufacturing industries, as well as in Tena water formulations; Solvents used in chemical and manufacturing industries; The extraction and degreasing processes are particularly suitable. It is also a raw material for chemical synthesis. It can also be used as a blending component for gasoline to increase octane number, and as a solvent for coatings, inks, and nitrocellulose. A series of intermediates produced from toluene are called toluene series intermediates. In the chemical industry, it is mainly used to produce benzene and xylene. Its downstream main products are nitrotoluene, benzoic acid, benzyl chloride, m-cresol, toluene diisocyanate, etc. It can also produce many pesticides and pharmaceutical intermediates. In addition, toluene has excellent organic solubility and is a widely used organic solvent. Toluene is prone to chlorination, producing benzene chloromethane or benzene trichloromethane, both of which are excellent solvents in industry; It is also prone to nitrification, generating p-nitrotoluene or o-nitrotoluene, both of which are raw materials for dyes; It is also prone to sulfonation, generating ortho toluenesulfonic acid or para toluenesulfonic acid, which are raw materials for dyes or saccharin production. The vapor of toluene mixes with air to form explosive substances, so it can be used to manufacture Tethyst explosives.

3. Plant extract. Widely used as a solvent and high octane gasoline additive.

4. Used as an analytical reagent, such as a solvent, extraction and separation agent, and chromatographic analysis reagent. It is also used as a cleaning agent and in organic synthesis such as dyes, spices, and benzoic acid.

5. Used for blending gasoline components and as the main raw material for producing toluene derivatives, explosives, dye intermediates, drugs, etc.

[Handling and Storage]

Operation precautions: Close the operation and strengthen ventilation. Operators must undergo specialized training and strictly adhere to operating procedures. It is recommended that operators wear a self-priming filter type gas mask (half face mask), chemical safety goggles, anti venom penetration work clothes, and rubber oil resistant gloves. Stay away from sparks and heat sources, and smoking is strictly prohibited in the workplace. Use explosion-proof ventilation systems and equipment. Prevent steam leakage into the workplace air. Avoid contact with oxidants. When filling, the flow rate should be controlled and there should be a grounding device to prevent static electricity accumulation. When handling, it is important to load and unload with care to prevent damage to the packaging and containers. Equip corresponding types and quantities of fire-fighting equipment and emergency response equipment for leaks. Empty containers may have residual harmful substances.

Storage precautions: Store in a cool and ventilated warehouse. Stay away from sparks and heat sources. The storage temperature should not exceed 30 ℃. Keep the container sealed. It should be stored separately from oxidants and avoid mixing. Adopting explosion-proof lighting and ventilation facilities. Prohibit the use of mechanical equipment and tools that are prone to generating sparks. The storage area should be equipped with emergency response equipment for leaks and appropriate containment materials.