CAS 108-88-3 · Aromatic Solvent

Toluene

Methylbenzene  ·  C₇H₈  ·  MW 92.14 g/mol

A high-solvency aromatic hydrocarbon widely used in paints, coatings, adhesives, and rubber manufacturing. Toluene's strong dissolving power and moderate evaporation rate make it a preferred solvent for demanding industrial applications. Texas-Chem supplies toluene in drums, totes, and bulk.

Formula

C₇H₈

Boiling Point

110.6 °C

Solubility

Slightly soluble in water

Pack Sizes

Drums · Totes · Bulk

Structural Formula

CH₃C₇H₈ | MW 92.14 g/mol

Aromatic hydrocarbon — benzene ring with a single methyl substituent

Safety & Regulatory

NFPA Health
2 — Moderate hazard
NFPA Flammability
3 — Serious hazard
NFPA Reactivity
0 — Stable
OSHA PEL (TWA)
200 ppm (750 mg/m³)
ACGIH TLV (TWA)
20 ppm
IDLH
500 ppm
DOT Hazard Class
3 — Flammable Liquid
UN Number
UN 1294
Packing Group
II

Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet before handling.

Grades & Packaging

Available Grades

IndustrialACS ReagentHPLC Grade

Pack Sizes

55-gal Drums275-gal TotesBulk Tanker

Physical & Chemical Properties

Molecular FormulaC₇H₈
Molecular Weight92.14 g/mol
CAS Number108-88-3
Boiling Point110.6 °C (231.1 °F)
Melting Point−95 °C (−139 °F)
Flash Point4 °C (39.2 °F) — Flammable
Density0.867 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Vapor Pressure2.9 kPa at 20 °C
Solubility in Water0.52 g/L at 20 °C (slightly soluble)
Refractive Index1.4969 at 20 °C
Auto-ignition Temp.480 °C (896 °F)
Explosive Limits1.1% – 7.1% (v/v in air)

Industrial Applications

Paints & Coatings

High-solvency aromatic solvent for alkyd, epoxy, and polyurethane coatings. Provides excellent resin dissolution and controlled evaporation.

Adhesives & Sealants

Used in contact cements, rubber-based adhesives, and sealants for footwear, automotive, and construction applications.

Rubber & Elastomers

Solvent for natural and synthetic rubber compounding, rubber cement, and neoprene-based products.

Chemical Synthesis

Feedstock for benzene, xylene, and benzoic acid production via catalytic reforming and oxidation processes.

Printing Inks

Carrier solvent in gravure and screen printing inks, providing good pigment wetting and controlled drying.

Cleaning & Degreasing

Effective degreaser for metal parts, molds, and equipment where high solvency power is required.

Why Source Toluene from Texas-Chem?

  • 35+ years supplying aromatic solvents to Texas manufacturers
  • Industrial, ACS, and HPLC grades stocked
  • Flexible packaging from 55-gal drums to bulk tanker delivery
  • Competitive pricing backed by top-tier producer relationships
  • Technical support and SDS documentation with every order
  • Same-day quotes for standard quantities
Request a Quote for Toluene

Frequently Asked Questions

What is toluene used for in industrial manufacturing?▾

Toluene is an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent used extensively in paint and coating formulations, adhesives, rubber processing, printing inks, and as a raw material for chemical synthesis of benzene, xylene, and other compounds. It is also used as an octane booster in gasoline blending and as a solvent in the production of explosives and pharmaceuticals. Chemical & Filtration Products of Texas supplies Industrial-grade toluene with SDS documentation and lot traceability on every order. Contact us at 855-TEX-CHEM for pricing and availability.

What grade of toluene is required for chemical synthesis and laboratory use?▾

Laboratory and chemical synthesis applications typically require ACS-grade toluene, which meets the purity specifications of the American Chemical Society — including strict limits on water content, non-volatile residue, and specific trace metals and aromatic impurities. Industrial-grade toluene is suitable for solvent applications in coatings and cleaning but should not be substituted for ACS grade in research or analytical contexts. Chemical & Filtration Products of Texas supplies both grades with full documentation. Contact us at 855-TEX-CHEM for grade specifications and pricing.

Is toluene a regulated chemical, and what documentation do I need to receive it?▾

Toluene is a DEA List I precursor chemical under 21 CFR Part 1310, meaning purchases above threshold quantities require registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration and maintenance of purchase records. It is also subject to SARA Title III reporting requirements as a Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) chemical. Chemical & Filtration Products of Texas manages the full compliance documentation chain — including SDS, lot traceability, and purchase records — on every order to keep your operation audit-ready. Contact us at 855-TEX-CHEM before placing your first order so we can confirm your compliance standing.

What is the flash point and toxicity profile of toluene?▾

Toluene has a flash point of 4°C (40°F), making it a flammable liquid (DOT Hazard Class 3) requiring careful storage in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from heat and ignition sources. Toluene is also a confirmed reproductive toxicant (OSHA/ACGIH) and its use requires appropriate respiratory protection and engineering controls per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1000. Every order ships with a current SDS detailing exposure limits, first-aid procedures, and storage requirements. Contact us at 855-TEX-CHEM for safe handling guidance.

Can I buy toluene in bulk drums or tanker quantities in Texas?▾

Yes. Chemical & Filtration Products of Texas supplies toluene from single drums to bulk tanker deliveries throughout Texas, including Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin. Volume pricing is available for industrial buyers, and our team will work with your procurement and EHS staff to ensure compliant delivery and documentation. Contact us at 855-TEX-CHEM or email [email protected] for a current quote.

What industries use toluene as a bulk solvent in Texas?▾

The largest toluene consumers in Texas include coatings and paint manufacturers, adhesive formulators, printing operations, rubber and plastics processors, and chemical blenders producing downstream products. Texas's large petrochemical and manufacturing base makes it one of the highest-volume toluene markets in the United States. Chemical & Filtration Products of Texas serves all of these industries with competitive pricing and dedicated account management. Contact us at 855-TEX-CHEM to discuss your supply requirements.

What is the difference between toluene and xylene as industrial solvents?▾

Toluene and xylene are both aromatic hydrocarbon solvents with similar solubility profiles, but xylene has a slower evaporation rate and higher boiling point (138–144°C vs. 111°C for toluene), making it better suited for applications requiring longer dry times. Toluene is preferred where faster evaporation is needed. Both are widely used in coatings, adhesives, and industrial cleaning. Chemical & Filtration Products of Texas supplies both products and can help you determine the right solvent for your application. Contact us at 855-TEX-CHEM for guidance.