Benzene

Benzene is an organic chemical compound (an aromatic ring) with formula C6H6. It is sometimes abbreviated Ph-H. Benzene is a carcinogen which is a colorless and flammable liquid that has a pleasant, aromatic odor and a low melting point.

A hydrocarbon, benzene is present in small proportion in some crude oils and made commercially from petroleum by the catalytic reforming of naphthenes in petroleum naphtha. It is also made from coal in the manufacture of coke. Benzene is used as a solvent in the manufacture of detergents, synthetic fibers, petrochemicals, and is a component of high-octane gasoline.

## See also[edit]

* BTX