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benzene
A common organic chemical compound made up of six carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal ring, with hydrogen atoms attached to each corner. Benzene is a colorless liquid hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C6H6. It is the archetypical aromatic compound. Although it consists of unsaturated molecules, it doesn't readily undergo addition reactions. On the other hand, it does take part in substitution reactions in which hydrogen atoms are replaced by other atoms or groups.
Benzene is present in small proportion in some crude oils and is 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 as a component of high-octane gasoline. It is a known carcinogen.
Related category
• ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
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