Benzene and its Family
Aromatic hydrocarbons are compounds containing benzene rings. Benzene is a six-carbon ring with alternating double and single bonds giving rise to resonance hybrid with 4n + 2 π electrons (where n is an integer). Toluene, xylene, and ethylbenzene are methyl-substituted benzenes, while aniline is an amino-substituted benzene. These compounds are all important industrial chemicals.
Uses of Benzene and its Family
* Benzene: It is used primarily as a starting material for the synthesis of other chemicals, including styrene, phenol, and aniline. It is also used as a solvent and in the production of dyes and detergents.
* Toluene: It is used primarily as a solvent and in the production of gasoline, paints, and adhesives. It is also used in the manufacture of plastics, synthetic fibers, and pharmaceuticals.
* Xylene: It is used primarily as a solvent and in the production of gasoline, paints, and adhesives. It is also used in the manufacture of plastics, synthetic fibers, and pharmaceuticals.
* Ethylbenzene: It is used primarily as a starting material for the synthesis of styrene, which is used in the production of plastics and synthetic rubber.
* Aniline: It is used primarily in the production of dyes, rubber chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. It is also used in the manufacture of plastics, synthetic fibers, and pesticides.