Sources of Benzene

Benzene is present in crude oil, and this provides the main source of a chemical which is used as a raw material for a wide range of products. Its one major downfall is its toxicity.

Aromatic hydrocarbons have for a long time been associated with causing cancer (carcinogens).

The demand for benzene is so high (10⁶ tonnes in the UK alone), that it is manufactured by reforming straight chain hydrocarbons.

• Hexane (C₆H₁₄) can be converted into benzene using oxides as catalysts and high temperatures.
• This process is known as catalytic reforming.
• Hexane is present in the naphtha fraction of crude oil.

Benzene is an essential feedstock in the chemical industry:

• Reacted with concentrated sulphuric acid to give non-soapy detergents
• Present in polystyrene

Added to petrol to increase the octane number – ironic as lead was removed because of its toxicity.