BTEX — properties & hazards overview
Boiling range
~ 80 – 144 °C
LEL–UEL (air)
≈ 1 – 8 vol%
Water solubility
Low (≈ 150–1,800 mg/L)
Vapour pressure (20 °C)
Moderate → volatile
Toxicity
CNS/irritant (mix)
Flammability
high (LEL ~1%)
Chronic risk
benzene: carcinogenic
Environmental
VOC / aquatic
| Property | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Chemical nature | Aromatic hydrocarbons (mono-substituted benzene ring) |
| Typical sources | Refining, fuel storage/dispensing, painting/coatings, printing, solvent use, coking |
| Water solubility (indicative) | Benzene ~1,800 mg/L; Toluene ~520 mg/L; Ethylbenzene ~150 mg/L; Xylenes ~150–200 mg/L |
| Boiling point (°C) | Benzene 80.1; Toluene 110.6; Ethylbenzene 136.2; Xylenes ~138–144 |
| LEL–UEL (vol%) | Benzene 1.2–7.8; Toluene 1.2–7.1; Ethylbenzene 1.0–6.7; Xylenes ~1.0–7.0 |
| Odour | Sweet, solvent-like; odour is not a safe exposure indicator |
| Reactivity | Flammable VOCs; air oxidation possible; photo-oxidation contributes to smog |
| Notes for scrubbing | Poor water solubility → limited removal by simple water scrubbing; consider enhanced absorption or alternative abatement |
*Values are indicative and vary by composition and temperature. For design/safety, consult current SDS and local standards.