Toluene

Toluene (CAS 108-88-3) is an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent used to dissolve, dilute, and carry resins, polymers, and active substances.

Where is Toluene used?

• Coatings and industrial paints: dissolves nitrocellulose, epoxy, and polyurethane resins
• Adhesives and sealants: contact cements and pressure-sensitive systems for footwear, automotive interiors, and flexible packaging
• Printing inks: primary carrier solvent for gravure and flexographic formulations, controlling viscosity and ink transfer onto film substrates
• Oil and gas: process solvent
• It also serves as a reference compound in octane blending and fuel additive production.
• Raw material for the manufacture of benzene, benzoic acid, phenol, benzaldehyde, toluene diisocyanate (TDI), dyes, explosives (particularly TNT), pharmaceuticals (such as aspirin), adhesives, detergents, caprolactam (fiber manufacture), saccharin, flavor and fragrance agents.
• Used in the production of other chemicals, nylon and plastics.
• Specified in treatment solution guides for paraffin, wax and asphaltene control in transport lines in the oil, gas and mining sectors.

Formulation notes

• Reacts violently with strong oxidants such as nitric acid and sulfuric acid, producing toxic and irritating gases.
• Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.

Typical specification

• Boiling point of 111°C.
• Flash point of 4°C closed cup.
• Vapour pressure of 3.8 kPa at 25°C.
• Highly purified toluene contains less than 0.01% benzene.

Regulatory status

• EU sets a limit of 0.1% by mass for toluene in adhesives and spray paints intended for sale to the general public.
• Classified under the harmonised CLP classification as a highly flammable liquid and vapour (H225).
• EU index number 601-021-00-3.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Must be stored tightly closed, fireproof, separate from strong oxidants, in an area without drains or sewer access, and only in its original packaging.
• Packaged in drums, IBCs and bulk.

Frequently asked questions about Toluene

What regulatory requirements apply to supplying toluene in the EU?

Supplying toluene in the EU requires a valid REACH registration under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. REACH Annex XVII entry 48 restricts certain uses and conditions of use of toluene in the EU.

How does toluene behave in solvent blends?

Toluene is miscible with most non-polar organic solvents.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.