toluene

[ tol-yoo-een ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, water-insoluble, flammable liquid, C 7 H 8 , having a benzenelike odor, obtained chiefly from coal tar and petroleum: used as a solvent in the manufacture of benzoic acid, benzaldehyde, TNT, and other organic compounds.

toluene

/ ˈtɒljʊˌiːn /

noun

1. a colourless volatile flammable liquid with an odour resembling that of benzene, obtained from petroleum and coal tar and used as a solvent and in the manufacture of many organic chemicals. Formula: C 6 H 5 CH 3

toluene

/ tŏl′yo̅o̅-ēn′ /

1. A clear, toxic, flammable liquid that is used in fuels, explosives, dyes, medicines, and many industrial chemicals. Toluene consists of a methyl group attached to benzene. Also called methylbenzene. Chemical formula: C 7 H 8 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of toluene¹

First recorded in 1870–75; tolu + -ene

Word History and Origins

Origin of toluene¹

C19: from tolu + -ene , since it was previously obtained from tolu

Example Sentences

The chemicals in these items that are most harmful to human health—which are also the ones the plant was engineered to neutralize—are formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene.

From Singularity Hub 

All polishes are vegan and cruelty-free and formulated without Toluene, Formaldehyde, and DBP.

From Essence.com

A solution of hydrogen chloride in a poorly ionizing medium, like benzene or toluene, is an extremely poor conductor.

From Project Gutenberg

Other dyes derived directly or indirectly from phenol will take us back once again to toluene.

From Project Gutenberg

From benzene and toluene alone about forty distinct colouring-matters of the rosaniline group are sent into commerce.

From Project Gutenberg

Already we see that benzene, toluene, solvent naphtha, and burning naphtha are separated from them.

From Project Gutenberg

Now let us consider some of the transformations which benzene and toluene undergo in the hands of the manufacturing chemist.

From Project Gutenberg