Benzene (data page)

This page provides supplementary chemical data on benzene.

Material Safety Data Sheet

The handling of this chemical may incur notable safety precautions. It is highly recommended to seek the Material Safety Datasheet for this chemical from a reliable source such as, and follow its directions. MSDS for benzene is available at .

Vapor pressure of liquid

Table data obtained from CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics 44th ed. Note: notation indicates equilibrium temperature of vapor over solid, otherwise value is equilibrium temperature of vapor over liquid.

Safety data

Material Safety Data Sheet for benzene:

Common synonyms	-
Physical properties	Form: colorless liquid
	Stability: Stable, but very flammable
	Melting point: 5.5 C
	Water solubility: negligible
	Specific gravity: 0.87
Principal hazards	*** Benzene is a carcinogen.
	*** Very flammable. The pure material, and any solutions containing it, constitute a fire risk.
Safe handling	Benzene should NOT be used at all unless no safer alternatives are available.
	If benzene must be used in an experiment, it should be handled at all stages in a fume cupboard.
	Wear safety glasses and use protective gloves.
Emergency	Eye contact: Immediately flush the eye with plenty of water. Continue for at least ten minutes
	and call for immediate medical help.
	Skin contact: Wash off with soap and water. Remove any contaminated clothing. If the skin
	reddens or appears damaged, call for medical aid.
	If swallowed: Call for immediate medical help.
Disposal	It is dangerous to try to dispose of benzene by washing it down a sink, since it is toxic, will cause environmental damage
	and presents a fire risk. It is probable that trying to dispose of benzene in this way will also break local
	environmental rules. Instead, retain in a safe place in the laboratory
	for disposal with other flammable, non-chlorinated solvents.
Protective equipment	Safety glasses. If gloves are worn, PVA, butyl rubber and viton are suitable materials.