benzene

American  

[ben-zeen, ben-zeen] / ˈbɛn zin, bɛnˈzin /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, volatile, flammable, toxic, slightly water-soluble, liquid, aromatic compound, C 6 H 6 , obtained chiefly from coal tar: used in the manufacture of commercial and medicinal chemicals, dyes, and as a solvent for resins, fats, or the like.

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benzene British  

/ ˈbɛnziːn, bɛnˈziːn /

noun

1. a colourless flammable toxic aromatic liquid used in the manufacture of styrene, phenol, etc, as a solvent for fats, resins, etc, and as an insecticide. Formula: C 6 H 6 See also benzene ring

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benzene Scientific  

/ bĕn′zēn′ /

1. A colorless flammable liquid derived from petroleum. Benzene is used to make detergents, insecticides, motor fuels, and many other chemical products. Chemical formula: C ₆ H ₆.

2. See more at benzene ring

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Etymology

Origin of benzene

First recorded in 1825–35; benz(oic acid) + -ene

Example Sentences

But monitoring for leaks has proved effective in other industries; fence-line emissions of benzene, a carcinogen, fell 30% at petroleum refineries after implementation of a similar monitoring program, according to the EPA.

From Salon • May 10, 2026

Volatile organic compounds like benzene, stemming from burnt PVC pipes, have entered drinking water.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

One driver is stronger aromatics contribution, with paraxylene and benzene spreads rebounding, the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

Idle and exhausted wells can continue to emit hazardous air pollutants such as benzene, as well as a methane, a planet-warming greenhouse gas.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025

Once inside, the Resistance members pulled documents out of drawers, piled them up on the floor and doused them with benzene.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler