Toluene
A core aromatic feedstock that works both as a strong general-purpose solvent and as a high-value chemical intermediate.
Product photo plus packaging, storage and loading conditions at our Dongguan facility.
At a Glance
| CAS No. | 108-88-3 |
| Chemical Name | Toluene (methylbenzene) |
| Molecular Formula | C7H8 |
| Purity | ≥99% |
| Origin | China |
| Packaging | 210 L steel drum (170 kg) / IBC / ISO tank / small drum |
| Lead Time | 60 working days after deposit |
Product Overview
Toluene is refined from catalytic reformate and cracker gasoline extract by multi-stage distillation that removes benzene, xylene and non-aromatic impurities. It is supplied as a general industrial grade and as an electronic ultra-high-purity grade. The reactive methyl group readily undergoes nitration, oxidation and disproportionation, making toluene the key feedstock for TDI, benzoic acid and PX; at the same time it dissolves nitrocellulose, acrylic, rubber resins and mineral oils exceptionally well, and its moderate evaporation rate improves levelling and drying efficiency in coatings and inks.
Global growth in flexible polyurethane foam and the polyester chain underpins long-term toluene demand, while coatings, pharmaceuticals and agrochemical fine chemicals add steady niche volume. Domestic refining capacity is ample and self-supply covers a high share of consumption, so availability is stable and controllable. As VOC rules tighten worldwide, toluene production remains compliant as long as closed-loop recovery equipment is fitted, and waste liquid can be recycled through distillation. The product is a flammable aromatic hazardous chemical, so storage is fully sealed and kept clear of open flame and strong oxidisers in an explosion-proof, ventilated warehouse.
Key Advantages
Reactive Methyl Group, Core Building Block for Bulk Synthesis
Stable conversion in oxidation, nitration and disproportionation makes toluene the mainstream feedstock for TDI, benzoic acid and paraxylene, with a firmly established position in the value chain.
Broad, Strong Solvency for Coatings and Inks
Rapidly dissolves nitrocellulose, neoprene and a wide range of synthetic resins, with good spray levelling and a moderate drying rate that suits many coating formulations.
Stable Distillation Range and Low Impurities, Grades for Every Use
The standard industrial grade covers coatings and synthesis, while the ultra-high-purity grade keeps metal ions low for semiconductor lithography and demanding pharmaceutical purification processes.
High Recovery Yield from Waste Liquid, Lower Long-Term Cost
Spent toluene can be returned to the process after simple distillation to remove resin impurities, cutting both hazardous waste disposal and raw material purchasing costs.
Applications
Toluene serves six distinct industrial segments: polyurethane TDI synthesis, industrial coatings and printing inks, pharmaceutical fine intermediates, agrochemical raw materials, precision metal degreasing and motor gasoline blending.
- Polyurethane TDI synthesis — the base reactant for toluene diisocyanate, used in flexible furniture foam, automotive interiors and elastomeric materials.
- Industrial coatings and printing inks — a dedicated thinner for nitrocellulose lacquers, plastic screen printing and packaging inks, dispersing pigment evenly for full-gloss sprayed finishes.
- Pharmaceutical fine chemical intermediates — feedstock for benzoic acid and pharmaceutical aldehydes, used in antibiotic and topical formulation purification steps.
- Agrochemical synthesis carrier — a nitration feedstock for herbicide and fungicide intermediates, giving a stable reaction system and high finished-product purity.
Technical Specifications
| Appearance | Colourless transparent liquid with an aromatic odour similar to benzene |
| Purity | ≥99% |
| Molecular Formula | C7H8 |
| CAS No. | 108-88-3 |
| EINECS No. | 203-625-9 |
| Relative Density (water = 1) | 0.87 |
| Flash Point | 4 °C |
| Boiling Point | 110.6 °C |
| Hazard Classification | Class 3 flammable liquid |
| Stability | Stable at ambient temperature when sealed; never store or handle in contact with strong oxidisers or halogens |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; miscible with benzene, alcohols, ethers and most other organic solvents |
| Storage | Cool, explosion-proof hazardous goods warehouse at 37 °C or below with containers fully sealed. Store separately from oxidisers and keep anti-static equipment and sand-type spill containment materials on hand. |
Composition
| Component | Concentration | CAS No. |
|---|---|---|
| Toluene | 99% | 108-88-3 |
Transport & Compliance
| UN No. | UN1294 |
| Hazard Class | Class 3 flammable liquid |
| Packing Group | II |
| HS Code | 2902300000 |
| Packaging | 170 kg per drum (210 L steel drum) |
UN and HS codes are shown for reference only — please confirm with us before shipment.
FAQ
What is your minimum order quantity?
Our MOQ is one 20GP container — up to 80 drums of 210 L.
What packaging do you offer?
Standard 210 L steel drums, plus IBC totes, ISO tank containers and small drums.
How many drums fit in a 20GP or 40GP, and can you consolidate?
Yes, we consolidate up to 5 product types in one shipment. A 20GP holds up to 80 drums (210 L); a 40GP holds around 130 drums (210 L).
What is the lead time?
About 60 working days after the deposit is received.
Which export documents do you provide?
COA, MSDS, commodity inspection certificate and dangerous goods packaging certificate. We can also assist with Certificate of Origin and other customs paperwork.
What payment terms do you accept?
T/T: 30% deposit, 70% balance against a copy of the Bill of Lading.
Technical Documents
MSDS and batch COA for Toluene are available on request. Tell us your quantity and destination port and we will send the documents with your quotation. Request documents →
Request a Quote for Toluene
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