Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor, commonly used as a solvent and in the production of various chemicals. It has the chemical formula C6H6 and consists of six carbon atoms arranged in a ring, with alternating double bonds, which gives it unique stability known as aromaticity. Benzene is a fundamental building block in organic chemistry and is found in many products, including plastics, resins, and synthetic fibers.
Despite its widespread use, benzene is also known to be toxic and a potential carcinogen. Prolonged exposure can lead to serious health issues, including leukemia and other blood disorders. Due to these risks, safety measures are essential when handling benzene in industrial and laboratory settings.