Benzene

Benzene is a colourless volatile liquid compounded of carbon and hydrogen having chemical formula C₆H₆. This hydrocarbon is present in coal tar and other organic bodies such as petroleum. It is therefore obtained by destructive distillation from coal-tar and other organic bodies. It is used in chemical synthesis. It is also used as a substitute for turpentine and for dissolving grease, however, due to its carcinogenic properties ie having the potential to cause cancer, its use as a solvent has lately been reduced.