*TOLUENE* = *Methylbenzene*
Formula: `C7H8`
It’s an industrial solvent. Clear, colorless liquid with a sharp, sweet, paint-thinner smell.
*1. Main Uses*
Industry What it’s used for
**Paints & Thinners** #1 use in Nigeria. Main ingredient in paint thinner, lacquer thinner, spray paint
**Glue & Adhesives** In contact cement, rubber cement, shoe glue
**Chemical Industry** Used to make TNT, dyes, detergents, drugs, plastics
**Fuel** Octane booster in petrol to improve engine performance
**Cleaning/Degreasing** Removes grease, oil, ink, tar from metal parts
In Lagos you’ll find it in *paint shops, chemical markets like Alaba, and auto workshops*.
*2. Properties*
- *Appearance*: Clear liquid
- *Smell*: Sweet, strong, like paint thinner/marker
- *Flammable*: Very. Flash point ∼4°C. Vapors can ignite