Benzene

HCID 241CAS 26181-88-4

Basic information

Standard SMILES
c1ccccc1
InChIKey
UHOVQNZJYSORNB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Molecular formula
C6H6
Average molar mass
78.11 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass
78.04695019

Names & identifiers

Preferred name
Benzene
IUPAC
benzene
English name
benzene
Molecular formula
C6H6
Molecular weight
0

Names & synonyms

benzene71-43-2benzolCyclohexatrienebenzolePyrobenzoleBenzineCoal naphthaPyrobenzolBenzenPhenePhenyl hydride
Show more names
Mineral naphthaBenzoleneBicarburet of hydrogenMotor benzolBenzeenBenzoloFenzen(6)Annulene

Database identifiers

CAS
26181-88-4、71-43-2
PubChem CID
241
DTXSID
DTXSID3039242
ChEMBL
CHEMBL277500
ChEBI
CHEBI:16716
UNII
J64922108F
EC Number
200-753-7
Nikkaji
J1.749.610G、J2.375B

Properties

Computed structural properties

XLogP
2.1
Topological polar surface area
0 Ų
Hydrogen bond donors
0
Hydrogen bond acceptors
0
Rotatable bonds
0
Heavy atoms
6

Experimental & physicochemical properties

LogP · 3 items

log Kow = 2.13

2.13

2.13

Odor · 2 items

Aromatic odor

Gasoline-like odor; rather pleasant aromatic odor. Odor threshold = 4.68 ppm.

TasteTaste threshold in water is 0.5-4.5 mg/l.
Density · 6 items

0.879 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float

0.8756 g/cu cm at 20 °C

SPECIFIC DISPERSION 189.6; DENSITY OF SATURATED VAPOR-AIR MIXT AT 760 MM HG (AIR= 1) IS 1.22 AT 26 °C; PERCENT IN SATURATED IN AIR AT 760 MM HG IS 13.15 AT 26 °C

Relative density (water = 1): 0.88

0.88

0.8765 @ 20°C

Viscosity0.604 mPa.s at 25 °C
Color/Form · 3 items

Clear, colorless liquid

Orthorhombic prisms or liquid

Colorless to light-yellow liquid [Note: A solid below 42 degrees F]

Safety & regulation

GHS classification

GHS Classification · 6 items

Danger

H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids];H304: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard];H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation];H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation];H340: May cause genetic defects [Danger Germ cell mutagenicity];H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity];H372 **: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P264, P264+P265, P270, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P305+P351+P338, P318, P319, P321, P331, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 0.1% (2 of 1934) of reports.

Hazard information

Regulatory Information · 6 items

Chemical: Benzene;Specific Information Requirement: Obligations to provide information apply. These obligations are:;1. If the assessment report about the chemical recommends secondary notification of the chemical in particular circumstances and any of the circumstances occur in relation to the introduction (importation or manufacture) of the chemical by a person, then the person introducing this chemical must tell us in writing within 28 calendar days that the circumstances have occurred.;2. A person who introduces this chemical must tell us in writing within 28 calendar days if they become aware of any of the following circumstances, namely, that since the assessment under the Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act 1989:;a. the function or use of the chemical has changed, or is likely to change, significantly;;b. the amount of the chemical being introduced has increased, or is likely to increase, significantly;;c. in the case of a chemical not manufactured, or proposed to be manufactured, in Australia at the time of the assessment—it has begun to be manufactured in Australia;;d. the method of manufacture of the chemical in Australia has changed, or is likely to change, in a way that may result in an increased risk of an adverse effect of the chemical on occupational health and safety, public health or the environment;;e. additional information has become available to the person as to an adverse effect of the chemical on occupational health and safety, public health or the environment.

Hazard Traits - Carcinogenicity; Cardiovascular Toxicity; Developmental Toxicity; Genotoxicity; Hematotoxicity; Immunotoxicity; Neurodevelopmental Toxicity; Neurotoxicity; Reproductive Toxicity; Respiratory Toxicity;Authoritative List - ATSDR Neurotoxicants; CA MCLs; CA TACs; CWA 303(c); CWA 303(d); EC Annex VI CMRs - Cat. 1A; EC Annex VI CMRs - Cat. 1B; IARC Carcinogens - 1; IRIS Carcinogens - A; NTP RoC - known; OEHHA RELs; Prop 65;Report - regardless of intended function of ingredient in the product

Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 (amended)

Benzene is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Benzene are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 09-12-2011 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/1466;Status: Active Update: 02-03-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/16102

Restricted substance: Benzene;EC: 200-753-7;Restriction condition document: PDF link

Other Safety Information · 2 items

PEC / SN / Other assessments - Benzene: Health and Environment

- Indoor Air: Benzene can be released into indoor air as a liquid spray (aerosol), mist, or vapor.;- Water: Benzene can be used to contaminate water.;- Food: Benzene can be used to contaminate food.;- Outdoor Air: Benzene can be released into outdoor air as a liquid spray (aerosol), mist, or vapor.;- Agricultural: If benzene is released into the air as a mist, it has the potential to contaminate agricultural products.

DOT LabelFlammable Liquid
Fire Hazards · 3 items

Behavior in Fire: Vapor is heavier than air and may travel considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. (USCG, 1999)

· HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.;· Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.;· Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.;· Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.).;· Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.;· Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.;· Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.;· Containers may explode when heated.;· Many liquids will float on water.

Highly flammable. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Risk of fire and explosion. See Chemical Dangers.

Fire PotentialA dangerous fire hazard when exosed to heat or flame. ... Ignites on contact with sodium peroxide + water, dioxygenyl tetrafluoroborate, iodine heptafluoride, and dioxygen difluoride.
Health Hazards · 2 items

Dizziness, excitation, pallor, followed by flushing, weakness, headache, breathlessness, chest constriction, nausea, and vomiting. Coma and possible death. (USCG, 1999)

· May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin.;· Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes.;· Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.;· Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas.;· Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.

Safety & protection

Fire Fighting · 3 items

Excerpt from ERG Guide 130 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible / Noxious)]:;CAUTION: The majority of these products have a very low flash point. Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient.;SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam. If regular foam is ineffective or unavailable, use alcohol-resistant foam.;LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If regular foam is ineffective or unavailable, use alcohol-resistant foam. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.;FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)

Use foam, water spray, carbon dioxide, powder. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

- Benzene is highly flammable.;- The agent will be easily ignited by heat, sparks, or flames.;- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive, and/or toxic gases.;- Benzene reacts violently with oxidants and halogens, causing a fire hazard.;- Vapors may travel to the source of ignition and flash back.;- Run-off to sewers may create a fire hazard.;- Caution: The agent has a very low flash point. Use of water spray when fighting fires may be inefficient.;- For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or regular foam.;- For large fires, use water spray, fog, or regular foam. Do not use straight streams. Move containers from the fire area if it is possible to do so without risk to personnel.;- For fire involving tanks or car/trailer loads, fight the fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after the fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tanks. Always stay away from tanks engulfed in fire.;- For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from the area and let the fire burn.;- Run-off from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.;- If the situation allows, control and properly dispose of run-off (effluent).

First Aid Measures · 4 items

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention .

Accidental Release Measures · 2 items

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.;· Keep unauthorized personnel away.;· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.;· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.;· All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.;· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.;· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.;· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.;· A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.;· Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers.;· Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.;Large Spill;· Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.;· Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.

First Aid · 3 items

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.;SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.;INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.;INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Volatile chemicals have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital.;OTHER: Since this chemical is a known or suspected carcinogen you should contact a physician for advice regarding the possible long term health effects and potential recommendation for medical monitoring. Recommendations from the physician will depend upon the specific compound, its chemical, physical and toxicity properties, the exposure level, length of exposure, and the route of exposure. (NTP, 1992)

General First Aid:;· Call 911 or emergency medical service.;· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.;· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.;· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.;· If victim is not breathing:;-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.;-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).;-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.;· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.;· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.;· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.;· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.;· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.;· Keep victim calm and warm.;· Keep victim under observation.;· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.;· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.;Specific First Aid:;· Wash skin with soap and water.

(General first aid procedures);Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.;Skin: Soap wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.;Breathing: Respiratory support;Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.

Safe StorageFireproof. Separated from food and feedstuffs, oxidants and halogens. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
Firefighting Hazards · 2 items

Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to a source of ignition & flash back. Liquid floats on water and may travel to a source of ignition and spread fire.

Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture: Carbon oxides Flash back possible over considerable distance. Container explosion may occur under fire conditions.

Toxicology

Toxicological InformationCDC-ATSDR Toxicological Profile
Body Burden · 2 items

Benzene was detected in all 8 samples of mothers' milk from women living in 4 USA urban areas(1). Breath samples from persons without specific exposure to benzene ranged from 8 to 20 ppb(2). Whole blood samples from 250 subjects (121 males, 129 females) ranged from not detected to 5.9 ppb, (mean 0.8 ppb)(3). In FY82, the National Human Adipose Tissue Survey specimens found that of 46 composite samples, 96% tested positive to benzene (concentrations were >4 ppb for wet tissue) with a max concentration of 97 ppb max(4).

In a 1980's study of non-occupational benzene exposure, it was found that smokers had an average benzene body burden about 6 to 10 times that of nonsmokers, and received about 90% of their benzene exposure from smoking(1). The mean benzene concentration found in the breath and blood of 1,683 individuals was 13.1 and 131 ng/L, respectively(1).

Treatment · 1 item

There is no known antidote for benzene and poisoning is first treated by preventing further exposure. If inhaled, respiratory assist may be necessary. If ingested, gastric lavage may be performed, or activated charcoal can be administered. (T8)

Cancer Sites · 2 items

Hematologic

[leukemia]

Interactions · 5 items

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) enhanced the hypertaurinuria produced by benzene, chlorobenzene, and toluene in rats. Undiluted DMSO was more effective than DMSO diluted with water in potentiating the toxicity of benzene in both rats and mice. Supernatants (9000g) prepared from livers of rats treated with DMSO 24 hours earlier metabolized more benzene than those from control rats.

Benzene & ethanol induced a common cytochrome P450 species in rabbit liver specifically effective in hydroxyl radical-mediated oxygenation of ethanol. Benzene oxidation by the benzene-inducible form of cytochrome P450 was almost completely inhibited by catalase, superoxide dismutase, DMSO, & mannitol.

Simultaneous treatments with both benzene and toluene, or benzene and piperonyl butoxide, increased the excretion of unchanged benzene in the expired air. These compounds apparently act by inhibiting benzene metabolism.

Toluene, Aroclor 1254, phenobarbital, acetone, and ethanol are known to alter the metabolism and toxicity of benzene.

For more Interactions (Complete) data for BENZENE (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Target Organs · 3 items

Cancer, Gastrointestinal (Stomach and Intestines, part of the digestive system), Hematological (Blood Forming), Immunological (Immune System), Neurological (Nervous System)

Immune

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, blood, central nervous system, bone marrow

Regulatory information

Regulatory Information · 6 items

Chemical: Benzene;Specific Information Requirement: Obligations to provide information apply. These obligations are:;1. If the assessment report about the chemical recommends secondary notification of the chemical in particular circumstances and any of the circumstances occur in relation to the introduction (importation or manufacture) of the chemical by a person, then the person introducing this chemical must tell us in writing within 28 calendar days that the circumstances have occurred.;2. A person who introduces this chemical must tell us in writing within 28 calendar days if they become aware of any of the following circumstances, namely, that since the assessment under the Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act 1989:;a. the function or use of the chemical has changed, or is likely to change, significantly;;b. the amount of the chemical being introduced has increased, or is likely to increase, significantly;;c. in the case of a chemical not manufactured, or proposed to be manufactured, in Australia at the time of the assessment—it has begun to be manufactured in Australia;;d. the method of manufacture of the chemical in Australia has changed, or is likely to change, in a way that may result in an increased risk of an adverse effect of the chemical on occupational health and safety, public health or the environment;;e. additional information has become available to the person as to an adverse effect of the chemical on occupational health and safety, public health or the environment.

Hazard Traits - Carcinogenicity; Cardiovascular Toxicity; Developmental Toxicity; Genotoxicity; Hematotoxicity; Immunotoxicity; Neurodevelopmental Toxicity; Neurotoxicity; Reproductive Toxicity; Respiratory Toxicity;Authoritative List - ATSDR Neurotoxicants; CA MCLs; CA TACs; CWA 303(c); CWA 303(d); EC Annex VI CMRs - Cat. 1A; EC Annex VI CMRs - Cat. 1B; IARC Carcinogens - 1; IRIS Carcinogens - A; NTP RoC - known; OEHHA RELs; Prop 65;Report - regardless of intended function of ingredient in the product

Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 (amended)

Benzene is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Benzene are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 09-12-2011 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/1466;Status: Active Update: 02-03-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/16102

Restricted substance: Benzene;EC: 200-753-7;Restriction condition document: PDF link

FDA RequirementsBenzene is an indirect food additive for use only as a component of adhesives.
RCRA Requirements · 3 items

D018; A solid waste containing benzene may or may not become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure listed in 40 CFR 261.24, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste.

F005; When benzene is a spent solvent, it is classified as a hazardous waste from a nonspecific source (F005), as stated in 40 CFR 261.31, and must be managed according to State and/or Federal hazardous waste regulations.

U019; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when benzene, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).

Atmospheric Standards · 4 items

National emission standard for equipment leaks (fugitive emission sources) of benzene prohibit detectable benzene emissions from processing equipment (eg, pumps, valves) that contains materials which have a benzene concn of 10% or more by wt.

This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Benzene is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.

Benzene has been designated as a hazardous air pollutant under section 112 of the Clean Air Act.

Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Benzene is included on this list.

CERCLA Reportable Quantities · 1 item

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 10 lb or 4.54 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV.D.3.b).

Clean Water Act Requirements · 2 items

Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and is subject to effluent limitations.

Benzene is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.

Chemistry & industry

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action · 5 items

Covalent interaction of a benzene metabolite with dna was shown in vivo, but no information was given about the chem nature of this metabolite. A likely intermediate in benzene metabolism is benzene oxide. In neutral aq media it rearranges only slowly to the phenol so that its lifetime could be long enough for diffusion from the site of activation to the dna. Alternatively, the metabolic appearance of polyhydroxy derivatives suggests the formation of a phenol epoxide, so that the reactive molecule could be a secondary metabolite.

The available evidence supports the concept that benzene toxicity is caused by one or more metabolites of benzene. ... Benzene metabolites containing 2 or 3 hydroxyl groups inhibited mitosis. Toluene, which inhibits benzene metabolism, protected animals against benzene-induced myelotoxicity. Benzene toxicity could be correlated with the appearance of benzene metabolites in bone marrow. Although it is clear that benzene can be metabolized in bone marrow, the observation that partial hepatectomy protects against benzene toxicity suggests that a metabolite formed in liver is essential for benzene toxicity.

... Importance of polyhydroxylated derivatives of benzene & their semiquinones. ... /It has been/ shown that hydroquinone inhibits rat brain microtubule polymerization; that hydroquinone & para-benzoquinone are the most potent inhibitors of T- & B-lymphocyte function, as measured in mouse spleen cells in culture; that hydroquinone inhibits lectin-stimulated lymphocyte agglutination in rat spleen prepn in vitro; & that para-benzoquinone is the metabolite most likely to be responsible for suppression of lymphocyte transformation & microtubule assembly in rat spleen cells in culture. However, admin of these cmpd to animals does not produce the typical picture of benzene toxicity ... admin /of/ major metabolites of benzene to mice ... failed to ... decr ... red blood cell production, using the (59)Fe uptake technique ... /it's been/ suggested that ring-opening products may play a role in benzene toxicity. ... In mice benzene treatment suppressed subsequent colony forming unit-C formation from bone-marrow cells in vitro. Treating the animals with phenol, hydroquinone or benzene dihydrodiol failed to suppress colony forming unit-C. Thus, the toxic metabolites of benzene have yet to be identified.

... Radioactivity /has been demonstrated/ in a nucleic acid fraction from rat liver following admin of either (3)h- or (14)C-labelled benzene. It has been shown that benzene binds covalently to protein in liver, bone marrow, kidney, lung, spleen, blood, & muscle. Less covalent binding was observed to the protein of bone marrow, blood, & spleen of C57Bl/6 mice, which are more resistant to the benzene-induced effects on red cell production, than to that of sensitive DBA/2 mice. ... Covalent binding of benzene to protein in perfused bone-marrow prepn /has been demonstrated/. ... A metabolite of phenol binds to liver protein more efficiently than does benzene oxide, & they have electrophoretically separated hepatic proteins to which benzene preferentially binds. ... Covalent binding to mitochondria is a prominent feature of benzene metabolism. ... There is relatively more radioactivity in a nucleic acid-rich fraction of a benzene metabolite isolated from mouse bone-marrow cells than in a similar fraction from liver.

For more Mechanism of Action (Complete) data for BENZENE (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Biological Half-Life · 3 items

Whole body: 9-24 hours; however, up to 90 hours due to distribution in fat; [TDR, p. 154]

The excretion of unchanged benzene from the lung of rats was reported to be biphasic, suggesting a two-compartment model for distribution and a half-life of 0.7 hr. This agreed with experimental half-life values for various tissues that ranged from 0.4 to 1.6 hr.

... The half-time of benzene in /high lipid content/ tissues is approximately 24 hours.

Metabolism/Metabolites · 6 items

The major metabolitesof benzene metabolism are phenol, hydroquinone, and catechol. These metabolites are interactive and can affect the rate of each other's metabolism because they are substrates for the P-450 enzyme system. The route of exposure has little effect on the subsequent metabolism of benzene to hemotoxic metabolites.

Metabolic products in rat ... are phenol, hydroquinone, catechol, hydroxyhydroquinone, & phenylmercapturic acid. Conjugated phenols have been reported ... except for a small amt of free phenol, all the phenolic metabolites were excreted in conjugated form. When (3)H-benzene was admin to mice, (3)H2O was also recovered from urine.

Yields N-acetyl-S-phenyl-cysteine in rat. Yields benzyl alcohol in guinea pigs. ... Yields cis-1,2-dihydro-1,2-dihydroxybenzene in pseudomonas. Phenol in pseudomonas & achromobacter. Yields cis,cis-muconic acid in rabbit. /From table/

In the rabbit, the major hydroxylation product of benzene was phenol, which along with some catechol and hydroquinone, was found in the urine conjugated with ethereal sulfate or glucuronic acid.

For more Metabolism/Metabolites (Complete) data for BENZENE (26 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Benzene has known human metabolites that include phenol.

Absorption, Distribution and Excretion · 5 items

Benzene is readily absorbed via lung, & about 40-50% is retained. ... It is taken up preferentially by fatty & nervous tissues, & about 30-50% ... is excreted unchanged via lung; a 3-phase excretion pattern is seen at ... /approx/ 0.7-1.7 hr, 3-4 hr, & 20-30 hr.

When benzene was placed on skin under closed cup it was absorbed at rate of 0.4 mg/sq cm/hr (Hanke et al 1961) ...

Mice treated SC with 2 mL (3)H-labeled benzene/kg contained irreversibly bound radioactivity with decreasing binding magnitude in the following organs: liver, brain, kidney, spleen, fat. Mice treated with 2 daily SC doses of 0.5 mL (3)H-benzene/kg for 1-10 days showed a radioactivity binding with liver & bone marrow residues which increased with treatment duration, except in the case of binding to bone marrow which decreased after day 6.

When administered to mice subcutaneously, 72% of dose is recovered in expired air.

For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for BENZENE (14 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Tissue LocationsBone Marrow;Epidermis;Leukocyte;Liver

Uses & manufacturing

Uses · 6 items

Benzene is used as a constituent in motor fuels; as a solvent for fats, waxes, resins, oils, inks, paints, plastics, and rubber; in the extraction of oils from seeds and nuts; and in photogravure printing. It is also used as a chemical intermediate. Benzene is also used in the manufacture of detergents, explosives, pharmaceuticals, and dyestuffs.

Benzene was used in the past as a solvent in inks, rubber, lacquers, and paint removers. Today, it is used mainly in closed processes to synthesize organic chemicals. Gasoline in some countries contains a high concentration of benzene (as high as 30%); the U.S. average is 1-3%. Workers who remove or clean underground storage tanks may be exposed to significant levels. [ACGIH] Gasoline in North America now contains about 1% benzene. [AIHAJ 2002;63(2):225-30] The European Union (EU) reduced in 2000 the maximum allowed benzene content in gasoline from 5% to 1% by volume. Mean exposures in the Swedish petroleum industry are well below the Swedish occupational exposure limits. [PMID 28578463]

EPA restricts benzene emission from specific point sources; maximum contaminant level in drinking water is 5 ppb; FDA prohibits the use of benzene in food; [ATSDR Case Studies]

Metal Preparation and Pouring [Category: Foundry];Petroleum Production and Refining [Category: Industry];Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other];Firefighting [Category: Other];Leather Tanning and Processing [Category: Industry];Burning Synthetic Polymers [Category: Burn]

Smoking cigarettes [Category: Food & Drugs];Preparing and mounting animal skins (taxidermy) [Category: Hobbies]

For benzene (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 008801) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./

ImpuritiesMajor impurities are toluene and xylene, others: phenol, thiophene, carbon disulfide, acetylnitrile, and pyridine.
U.S. Exports · 5 items

(1978) 1.52X10+11 G

(1983) 3.66X10+10 G

(1979) 1.3 million lb

(1985) 3.77X10+10 g

Exports were thought to be less than 10 million gallons.

U.S. Imports · 5 items

(1978) 2.26X10+11 G

(1979) 1.6 billion kg

(1983) 4.93X10+11 G

(1985) 4.96X10+11 g

For more U.S. Imports (Complete) data for BENZENE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

U.S. Production · 6 items

2023: 15,000,000,000 - <20,000,000,000 lb;2022: 10,000,000,000 - <15,000,000,000 lb;2021: 15,000,000,000 - <20,000,000,000 lb;2020: 15,000,000,000 - <20,000,000,000 lb

(1967) 9.6X10+8 gal (data reported by tar distillers are not included)

(1977) 4.80X10+12 G

(1980) 1.5X10+9 gal (data reported by tar distillers are not included)

(1981) 4.3X10+11 GRAMS

For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for BENZENE (24 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Consumption Patterns · 5 items

Consumption by chemical industry in USA, 1977: 1.4 billion gallons annually.

Chem int for ethylbenzene, 49.1%; chem int for cumene, 18.4%; chem int for cyclohexane, 15.1%; chem int for nitrobenzene, 4.5%; chem int for maleic anhydride, 2.8%; chem int for chlorobenzenes, 2.5%; chem int for detergent alkylate, 2.4%; exports, 2.7%; other uses, 2.5% (1981 non-gasoline uses)

Demand: (1980) 1,586 Million Gal; /Projected demand for/ (1984): 1,708 Million Gal

BENZENE RANKED 17TH IN 1981 & 1982 IN THE TOP 50 CHEMICAL PRODUCTION: BILLIONS OF LB: 7.87 (1982), 9.61 (1981).

For more Consumption Patterns (Complete) data for BENZENE (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Suppliers50 total

国药集团化学试剂有限公司86-21-63210123 · [email protected]
梯希爱(上海)化成工业发展有限公司021-67121386 · [email protected]
山东旭晨化工科技有限公司0533-15715337262 15715337262 · [email protected]
上海阿拉丁生化科技股份有限公司400-6206333 13167063860 · [email protected]
Shandong chuangyingchemical Co., Ltd.18853181302 · [email protected]
Additional notes · 1 item

DefinitionChEBI: Benzene is a six-carbon aromatic annulene in which each carbon atom donates one of its two 2p electrons into a delocalised pi system. A toxic, flammable liquid byproduct of coal distillation, it is used as an industrial solvent. Benzene is a carcinogen that also damages bone marrow and the central nervous system. It has a role as a non-polar solvent, a carcinogenic agent and an environmental contaminant. It is an aromatic annulene, a volatile organic compound and a member of benzenes.

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