TOLUENE- ▸ 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
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.
Request SDS →
Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.
⚠ WARNING: This product can expose you to Toluene, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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.
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 203-625-9
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Regulatory restriction status
Toluene (Methylbenzene) (CAS 108-88-3) appears on the regulatory list(s) below. This is public regulatory information about the substance — not a statement about any specific supplier’s material, and not a safety claim. Confirm the current status for your jurisdiction and intended use.
- California Proposition 65: listed for reproductive toxicity, listed 1 Jan 1991. A California Proposition 65 warning applies (see the warning above).
- REACH Restriction (Annex XVII), entry 48: specific EU uses/conditions of the substance are restricted.
Sources: ECHA Candidate List / Annex XIV / Annex XVII (echa.europa.eu); U.S. EPA TSCA; UN Stockholm Convention / EU POPs Regulation; California OEHHA Proposition 65 list. Retrieved 2026-07-13.
Solutions Using This Product
Process-solution guides on this site that specify this chemistry:
- Paraffin, Wax & Asphaltene Control for Flowlines (Oil, Gas & Mining)
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.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Toluene (Methylbenzene)?
Toluene (Methylbenzene) (CAS 108-88-3) is subject to U.S. TSCA Inventory requirements; supplying it into the EU requires valid REACH registration ((EC) No 1907/2006). RawSource cannot verify a third-party supplier's registrations — buyers should require documented TSCA and REACH compliance for their jurisdiction and volume (EC 203-625-9).