Solvents - Aromatic Available — Bulk Only

Toluene (Methylbenzene)

CAS 108-88-3 · Formula C7H8 · MW 92.14 g/mol

A workhorse aromatic solvent and petrochemical building block for coatings, adhesives, and downstream synthesis. It serves as a solvent for paints, coatings, inks, adhesives, gums, and resins, as a feedstock for producing benzene and other organic chemicals, and as an octane-boosting gasoline blendstock.

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UN Number
UN 1294
Hazard Class
Class 3
HS Code
2902.30
At a Glance
Material Family
Solvents - Aromatic
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Solvency · Cleaning / Degreasing
Solubility
< 1 mg/mL at 18 °C
Functional Roles
TOLUENE
ANTIOXIDANTSOLVENT
Applications & Use Cases
  • Solvents: Solvent for paints, coatings, inks, adhesives, gums, and resins
  • Chemical intermediate: Feedstock for benzene and other organic compounds
  • Fuels: Octane-boosting blendstock for gasoline
  • Industrial cleaning: Diluent and thinner in lacquers and cleaning formulations
Physical Properties
Melting Point
-95 °C
Boiling Point
111 °C at 760 mmHg
Density
0.867 at 20 °C
Solubility
< 1 mg/mL at 18 °C
Vapor Pressure
10 mmHg at 6 °C; 20 mmHg at 18 °C; 40 mmHg at 32 °C
Flash Point
4 °C
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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DOT / UN Transport Classification
DOT hazard class 3 placard
UN / DOT NumberUN 1294
Hazard Class / DivisionClass 3
Packing GroupII
Proper Shipping NameToluene

Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.

HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2902 . 30
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.02
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2902.30
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
108-88-3
Molecular Formula
C7H8
Molecular Weight
92.14 g/mol
IUPAC Name
toluene
INCI Name
TOLUENE
PubChem CID
InChI Key
YXFVVABEGXRONW-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
toluene methylbenzene toluol Phenylmethane methacide methylbenzol antisal 1a Benzene, methyl- Toluen tolu-sol monomethyl benzene Methane, phenyl- Tolueen Toluolo phenyl methane 1-Methylbenzene RCRA waste number U220 Tolueno methyl benzene
Full Description

Toluene (CAS 108-88-3, C7H8) is a clear aromatic hydrocarbon solvent and chemical intermediate. It serves as a solvent for paints, coatings, inks, adhesives, gums, and resins, as a feedstock for producing benzene and other organic chemicals, and as an octane-boosting gasoline blendstock.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is toluene used for?

Toluene (C7H8, CAS 108-88-3) is a clear aromatic hydrocarbon solvent and chemical intermediate. It is used as a solvent for paints, coatings, inks, adhesives, gums, and resins; as a feedstock for producing benzene and other organic chemicals; as an octane-boosting gasoline blendstock; and as a diluent/thinner in lacquers and cleaning formulations. We supply it in bulk for industrial use.

Is toluene the same as acetone?

No. Toluene is an aromatic hydrocarbon (C7H8); acetone is a ketone (C3H6O). They are different solvent classes with different polarity, solvency, and physical properties, and are not interchangeable across all applications. Match the solvent to your formulation's requirements.

Is toluene soluble in water?

Toluene is only slightly soluble in water but is fully miscible with many organic solvents, which underpins its role as a solvent for resins, coatings, and adhesives. Detailed physical properties are on the SDS and technical data sheet.

How is toluene shipped and classified for transport?

Toluene is a flammable liquid assigned UN 1294. Packing group, labeling, and handling requirements are detailed on the SDS and must follow current DOT/IATA/IMDG rules for the shipping mode. We supply compliant documentation with drum, tote, and bulk orders.

What is the cost of bulk toluene and how is it packaged?

Toluene pricing is quote-based and tracks grade, volume, and packaging (drums, IBC totes, bulk). Request a bulk quote with your target volume and delivery location for current pricing, CoA, and SDS.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.