benzene

American  

[ben-zeen, ben-zeen] / ˈbɛn zin, bɛnˈzin /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, volatile, flammable, toxic, slightly water-soluble, liquid, aromatic compound, C 6 H 6 , obtained chiefly from coal tar: used in the manufacture of commercial and medicinal chemicals, dyes, and as a solvent for resins, fats, or the like.

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benzene British  

/ ˈbɛnziːn, bɛnˈziːn /

noun

1. a colourless flammable toxic aromatic liquid used in the manufacture of styrene, phenol, etc, as a solvent for fats, resins, etc, and as an insecticide. Formula: C 6 H 6 See also benzene ring

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benzene Scientific  

/ bĕn′zēn′ /

1. A colorless flammable liquid derived from petroleum. Benzene is used to make detergents, insecticides, motor fuels, and many other chemical products. Chemical formula: C ₆ H ₆.

2. See more at benzene ring

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Etymology

Origin of benzene

First recorded in 1825–35; benz(oic acid) + -ene

Example Sentences

Volatile organic compounds like benzene, stemming from burnt PVC pipes, have entered drinking water.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

One driver is stronger aromatics contribution, with paraxylene and benzene spreads rebounding, the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

Additional studies from several of the same authors have identified gas stoves as a source of benzene, a known carcinogen linked to leukemia and other blood disorders.

From Science Daily • Dec. 3, 2025

It also will curtail other harmful landfill pollution, such as lung-aggravating sulfur and cancer-causing benzene.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2025

Yet this chemical, a form of benzene hexachloride, is much used in vaporizers, devices that pour a stream of volatilized insecticide vapor into homes, offices, restaurants.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson