Benzene is a volatile, transparent, inflammable liquid hydrocarbon, with a very characteristic aroma. It is mainly used as raw material in synthesising a large number of products as well as being a component of gasoline.
Benzene is the raw material base for manufacturing propylene oxide and styrene and its derivatives (polyols and propylene glycols).
Benzene is used as a starting point for other chemicals used in the manufacture of plastics, resins and synthetic fibres. Benzene is also used to make certain types of lubricants, dyes, detergents and pesticides.