Toluene

Toluene is known as a hydrocarbon and is one of the most widely used organic solvents. Toluene presents as a clear and colourless liquid with a distinctive sweet pungent odour of paint thinners. Toluene used to be known as Toluol although this name is no longer generally used.

Toluene is able to dissolve paints and paint thinners, chemical reactants, glues and adhesives, disinfectants, leather tanning and printing inks. Toluene is used to dissolve Sulphur and other inorganic chemicals. Toluene is used as a solvent and chemical intermediate.

Toluene has good heat transfer qualities and is used in nuclear reactor systems. Toluene is also used as an industrial feedstock. In biochemistry, Toluene is used to break open red blood cells so that the haemoglobin can be taken out of them. In the soft drinks industry, Toluene is used to remove cocaine from coca leaves during the manufacturing process of Coca Cola.

Toluene should only be handled by competent persons familiar with the potential hazards. Always read the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)provided with the material before working with it. In case of query, always contact your reputable supplier of Toluene.

Appropriate protective clothing known as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be worn when handling Toluene including approved eye protection, protective clothing and safety footwear. Contact with the skin will cause dryness and redness. Contact of Toluene with the eyes will cause redness and pain, leading possibly to permanent corneal damage. Toluene may cause lung damage if swallowed. Toluene presents a possible risk of harm to the unborn child.

Toluene fumes should not be inhaled as they can cause nausea, dizziness, lethargy, collapse and eventually death. Do not breathe Toluene gas, fumes, vapour or spray. Toluene and other substance abuse can cause severe damage when inhaled and can permanently damage the neurological and central nervous systems of the human body.

Containers of Toluene should be kept away from sources of ignition and heat sources in a cool, well-ventilated area with the lids tightly closed. Toluene should be stored in a segregated area away from oxidising agents. Keep Toluene away from children and animals.