ABSTRACT
Toluene used in the United States is either in the form of isolated or non-isolated toluene. Approximately 11% of the total toluene produced in the United States is isolated toluene, which is produced from distillation of reformed or pyrolysed petroleum and coal-tar oil. Approximately half of the isolated toluene is used to produce benzene. Other uses of isolated toluene include: as a solvent in paints, coatings, adhesives, inks, and cleaning agents; in production of polymers used to make nylon, plastic soda bottles, and polyurethanes; as a starting material in the synthesis of trinitrotoluene (TNT); in pharmaceuticals, dyes, cosmetic nail products; and the synthesis of organic chemicals. Toluene, which is non-isolated, is added as a mixture to gasoline (BTX) to improve octane ratings.
