Toluene — CAS 108-88-3

Description

1. Product Overview

Toluene (CAS 108-88-3) is a high-purity aromatic hydrocarbon solvent widely used across chemical manufacturing, coatings, adhesives, and petrochemical processing industries. It serves as a critical intermediate and formulation solvent due to its excellent solvency power, rapid evaporation profile, and compatibility with a broad range of industrial resins and polymers.

Its key value lies in enabling high-performance formulations in paints, inks, and chemical synthesis processes where precision solvency and consistency directly impact product quality. In global supply chains, toluene remains strategically important as both a foundational petrochemical feedstock and a cost-efficient processing solvent. Its market relevance is reinforced by stable demand across construction, automotive, and specialty chemicals sectors.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical Composition: C₇H₈ (Methylbenzene)
• Purity Level / Grade: ≥ 99.5% Industrial / Reagent Grade (custom grades available)
• Physical Form: Clear, colorless liquid
• Odor: Aromatic, characteristic solvent smell
• Density: ~0.866 g/cm³ at 20°C
• Boiling Point: ~110.6°C
• Packaging Options:
  • 200L steel drums
  • ISO tanks
  • Flexitanks
  • Bulk tanker shipments
• Shelf Life: 24 months under sealed, dry, and ventilated storage conditions

3. Core Industrial Applications

Toluene is extensively used across multiple high-value industrial sectors due to its strong solvency and chemical stability.

• Paints & Coatings Industry: Acts as a primary solvent for resins, lacquers, and thinners, ensuring smooth application and controlled drying times.
• Adhesives & Sealants: Enhances viscosity control and polymer dissolution efficiency.
• Chemical Synthesis: Serves as a key intermediate in the production of benzene derivatives, isocyanates, and explosives precursors (regulated usage).
• Pharmaceutical & Laboratory Use: Utilized as a reaction medium and extraction solvent in controlled environments.
• Petrochemical Processing: Functions as a blending component to optimize fuel performance characteristics.

Its superior evaporation rate and solvency power provide operational efficiency advantages over heavier aromatic solvents, improving throughput and formulation precision.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Consistent Quality: Tight control of aromatic purity ensures stable performance in industrial formulations.
• Reliable Supply Chain: Scalable sourcing from integrated petrochemical production networks ensures uninterrupted availability.
• Global Logistics Capability: Flexible bulk shipping options (ISO tank, flexitank, containerized drums) for cost-efficient international distribution.
• Cost Competitiveness: Strong price-to-performance ratio compared to alternative aromatic solvents and ketones.
• Technical Documentation Support: Full COA, MSDS, and regulatory compliance documentation available for industrial procurement needs.
• Sustainability Compliance: Produced under optimized refining processes to reduce emissions intensity and improve lifecycle efficiency.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 20 MT (bulk industrial supply)
• Loading Capacity:
  • 20’ ISO tank / container: ~18–21 MT
  • Flexitank: ~19–24 MT (depending on configuration)
• Supply Format: Bulk shipments, contract supply, and spot market availability
• Delivery Terms: FOB / CFR / CIF (global ports available upon request)