Benzene is used primarily as a raw material in the synthesis of styrene (polystyrene plastics and synthetic rubber), phenol (phenolic resins), cyclohexane (nylon), aniline, maleic anhydride (polyester resins), alkylbenzenes (detergents) and chlorobenzenes. It is used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of ethylbenzene, cumene, nitrobenzene, anthraquinone, benzene hexachloride, benzene sulphonic acid, biphenyl, hydroquinone and other products used in the production of drugs, dyes, insecticides and plastics.
Around 53% of benzene demand is accounted for in ethylbenzene/styrene production. The second largest consumer is cumene/phenol at 18%, followed by cyclohexane at 14%, chlorobenzene/nitrobenzene at 7% and alkylbenzene at 3%.
Other end-uses include adhesives, radios, toys, sporting goods, appliances, automobiles, tyres, and textiles. Benzene has been used in the rotogravure printing industry, preparation and use of inks in the graphic arts industries, in extraction and rectification, in shoe manufacturing, as a thinner for paints, as a degreasing agent and as a component of motor vehicle gasoline.
ICIS pricing quotes benzene in Europe, Asia-Pacific, China and the US Gulf.
To find out more Benzene Methodology July 2013
