Benzene: Uses, Characteristics & Sample Questions

Benzene is a clear, colourless, highly flammable liquid with a sweet odour. It is an aromatic organic compound which can be found abundantly in nature. The chemical formula of the same is C₆H₆. A molecule of benzene comprises six carbon atoms joined in a ring-shaped structure with hydrogen atoms connected to each carbon atom. Benzene is rarely manufactured artificially since it is a natural component in the gas emissions in volcanic eruptions or forest fires. It is also found in gasoline, crude oil and cigarette smoke. 

Key words: Benzene, Chemical Formula, Uses, Industrial Solvent, Carbon, Hydrogen

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Uses of Benzene

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Benzene forms a significant part of industrial chemicals that are used in manufacturing of various products such as plastics, synthetic fibres, rubber, paints, dyes, detergents and many more. Some other important uses of benzene include:

• Used as a solvent
• Used in production of rubber
• Manufacturing of paints and printing
• Used as a fuel
• Used in production of chemicals and plastic
• Used in Auto repairs

Used as a solvent

Benzene is extensively used as an industrial solvent.

• It is used for commercial, research and production purposes of products like resins and synthetic products.
• It is also used as an absorbing and binding agent.
• Benzene is also used in the production of asphalt that is used by roofing and paving companies.

Used in production of rubber

.Benzene is also used in the production of tires and rubbers.

• Manufacturers prefer to use products containing benzene as a solvent in various manufacturing processes. 
• For example, the adhesive used in shoes contains high amounts of benzene.

Manufacturing of paints and printing

Benzene is primarily found in products that are used to clean printing equipment.

• Printing products such as inks and dyes are manufactured using benzene.
• Benzene helps in keeping paints such as lacquers, spray paints, base and top coat paints in liquid form.

Used as a fuel

Benzene is an essential product used in the production of gasoline.

• It also forms a large part of crude oil and industrial fuel due to its abundant availability.
• Benzene is used in the production of lubricants for heavy machineries in the production industries.

Used in production of chemicals and plastic

Benzene acts as a significant ingredient in the production of plastic and other chemicals.

• Some agricultural products such as insecticides, pesticides and herbicides are also prepared using benzene.

Used in Auto repairs

• Benzene helps dissolve the grease built around the automobile parts over time while protecting the metal.
• The solvents containing benzene are used for cleaning the hydraulic systems, fuel system compartments and braking system.

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Characteristics of Benzene

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Following are some of the characteristics of benzene:

• Benzene has a crystal-like texture with a pleasant odour.
• The chemical formula of the same is C6H6. This concludes that benzene is a hydrocarbon.
• The structure of benzene is ring shaped.
• The melting point of benzene is 5.5℃ whereas the boiling point is 80.1℃.
• The oxidation of benzene is a slow process because of its property of resisting hydrogenation.
• Benzene was discovered by Michael Faraday, an English scientist.

Benzene Structure

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Things to Remember

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• Benzene is a clear, colourless, highly flammable liquid with a sweet odour.
• The chemical formula of the same is C₆H₆.
• Benzene has a crystal-like texture with a pleasant odour.
• Benzene is used in manufacturing of various products such as plastics, synthetic fibres, rubber, paints, dyes, detergents and many more.
• The structure of benzene is ring shaped.

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Previous Year Questions

1. Chemical formula for inorganic benzene is…? (AMUEEE 2016)
2. How benzene is converted into n- propyl benzene…? (UPSEE 2018)
3. Carbon atoms in benzene molecules are inclined at an angle of…? (BHU UET 2000)
4. Nitrobenzene can be converted into azobenzene by reduction with…?
5. Isopropyl benzene on aerial oxidation followed by acid hydrolysis of the resulting compound yields…? 
6. In benzene, the triple bond consists of…?
7. When Friedel-Crafts alkylation of benzene is carried out with n-propyl bromide, the major product is…? (AMUEEE 2011)
8. The attacking reagent in the nitration of benzene is…? (JKCET 2019)
9. Conversion of chlorobenzene to phenol involves…? (JKCET 2008)
10. Benzene diazonium chloride on reaction with phenol in weakly basic medium gives…? (JEE Advanced 1998)

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