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About This Product
Toluene, the middle member of the BTX series, is among the aromatic solvents used most widely. Its production mirrors that of benzene: the aromatics are solvent-extracted from catalytic reformate and then separated by fractional distillation. Its markets, however, split two ways, between solvent users who take it as it is and chemical producers who react it. Nitration grade is the quality specified when the toluene is to be nitrated or otherwise converted.
In coatings, inks and adhesives, toluene pairs strong aromatic solvency with an evaporation rate faster than the xylenes and slower than benzene. It dissolves alkyd, acrylic, vinyl and chlorinated rubber resins as well as many natural resins, and it cuts the viscosity of paints and inks efficiently. Its flash-off is quick enough for gravure and flexo printing, fast-drying lacquers and contact adhesives, and in paint shops and printing works it forms the backbone of many thinners and wash-up blends.
The specification centres on purity and the absence of reactive contaminants. A distillation range within 1°C (including 110.6°C) under ASTM D-850 indicates an essentially single compound, and non-aromatic hydrocarbons are capped at max 1.5 vol % (ASTM D-2360), restricting the co-boiling paraffins and naphthenes that weaken solvency and pass through a nitrator without reacting. Acid wash colour max 2 and nil acidity exclude the olefinic and acidic impurities that would discolour a nitration batch or a clear lacquer. The product is free of H2S & SO2 in the sulphur compounds test and non-corrosive on the copper strip, protecting metal plant and catalysts, while specific gravity (0.8690 – 0.8730) and Pt-Co colour (max 20) act as receipt checks.
On the chemical side, nitration gives mononitrotoluenes, used for dye and agrochemical intermediates, and dinitrotoluene. DNT is reduced to toluene diamine, and phosgenation of that diamine yields toluene diisocyanate (TDI), the isocyanate behind flexible polyurethane foam. Oxidation of toluene produces benzoic acid, and fine chemical plants also use it as a solvent for reactions and extractions. Where benzene is bought almost wholly for conversion, toluene sells as much for solvent work as for synthesis; against mixed xylenes it evaporates faster and is one compound rather than a blend of isomers.
BG Petro Chemicals supplies toluene of Pakistani origin, with pack type and transport set offer by offer according to quantity and destination. A certificate of analysis accompanies each lot, and the SDS, which covers flammability and safe handling, can be requested.
