Editing Toluene (section)

==Uses==
Toluene is one of the most abundantly produced chemicals. Its main uses are (1) as a precursor to benzene and [[xylene]]s, (2) as a solvent for thinners, paints, [[lacquers]], adhesives, and (3) as an additive for gasoline.<ref name=Ullmann>{{Ullmann | vauthors = Jörg F, Ulrich G, Simo TA |title=Toluene |year=2005 |doi=10.1002/14356007.a27_147.pub2 |isbn=978-3-527-30673-2}}</ref>

===Precursor to benzene and xylenes===
Toluene is converted to benzene via [[Benzene#Toluene hydrodealkylation|hydrodealkylation]]:
:C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>5</sub>CH<sub>3</sub> + H<sub>2</sub> → C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>6</sub> + CH<sub>4</sub>

Its [[transalkylation]] gives a mixture of benzene and [[xylene]]s.
===Solvent===
Toluene is widely used in the paint, [[dye]], rubber, chemical, glue, printing, and pharmaceutical industries as a solvent.<ref name="cdc">{{cite web |url=https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/MMG/MMGDetails.aspx?mmgid=157&toxid=29 |title=Toluene &#124; Medical Management Guidelines &#124; Toxic Substance Portal &#124; ATSDR |accessdate=June 2, 2023}}</ref> Nail polish, paintbrush cleaners, and stain removers may contain toluene. Manufacturing of explosives (TNT) uses it as well. Toluene is also found in cigarette smoke and car exhaust. If not in contact with air, toluene can remain unchanged in soil or water for a long time.<ref name="wisconsin">{{cite web|url=https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/chemical/toluene.htm|title=Toluene|date=January 30, 2018 }}</ref>

Toluene is a common [[solvent]], e.g. for [[paint]]s, paint thinners, strippers, silicone sealants,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6387487.html|title=Dual cure, low-solvent silicone pressure sensitive adhesives – General Electric Company|access-date=February 15, 2008|archive-date=October 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004053140/http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6387487.html|url-status=live}}</ref> many [[chemical reactant]]s, [[rubber]], [[printing]] ink, [[adhesive]]s (glues), [[lacquer]]s, [[leather tanning|leather tanners]], and [[disinfectant]]s.<ref name=Ullmann/>

=== Fuel ===
Toluene is an [[octane rating|octane booster]] in [[gasoline]] fuels for [[internal combustion engine]]s as well as [[jet fuel]] and [[turbocharged]] engines in [[Formula One]].<ref>{{cite conference|url = http://www.k20a.org/upload/HondaRA168EEngine.pdf|title = Honda Formula One Turbo-charged V-6 1.5L Engine|conference = SAE International Congress and Exposition|date = March 3, 1989|access-date = September 11, 2017|archive-date = September 11, 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170911205138/http://www.k20a.org/upload/HondaRA168EEngine.pdf|url-status = live}}</ref>

In [[Australia]] in 2003, toluene was found to have been illegally combined with petrol in fuel outlets for sale as standard vehicular fuel. Toluene incurs no fuel excise tax, while other fuels are taxed at more than 40%, providing a greater [[profit margin]] for fuel suppliers. The extent of toluene substitution is claimed to be 60%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libertyoil.com.au/www/230/1001164/displayarticle/1001248.html|title=Scam on petrol sparks spot tests |website= Liberty Oil|url-status = dead|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213422/http://www.libertyoil.com.au/www/230/1001164/displayarticle/1001248.html|archive-date = March 3, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/stories/s106466.htm|title=The World Today Archive – Authorities yet to acknowledge petrol scam problem|website=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=September 4, 2009|archive-date=November 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110070444/http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/stories/s106466.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Niche applications===
In the laboratory, toluene is used as a solvent for carbon nanomaterials, including nanotubes and fullerenes, and it can also be used as a [[fullerene]] indicator. The color of the toluene solution of C<sub>60</sub> is bright purple. Toluene is used as a cement for fine [[polystyrene]] [[plastic model|kits]] (by dissolving and then fusing surfaces) as it can be applied very precisely by brush and contains none of the bulk of an adhesive. Toluene can be used to break open [[red blood cell]]s in order to extract [[hemoglobin]] in biochemistry experiments. Toluene has also been used as a coolant for its good heat transfer capabilities in sodium cold traps used in nuclear reactor system loops. Toluene had also been used in the process of [[Coca-Cola formula|removing the cocaine]] from coca leaves in the production of Coca-Cola syrup.<ref>{{cite book| vauthors = Merory J |title=Food Flavorings: Composition, Manufacture and Use|publisher=AVI Publishing Company, Inc..|location=Westport, CT|year=1968 |edition=2nd}}</ref>