Benzene Substitute

An organic chemical compound, benzene is frequently used to form crude oil. It was first isolated by the famous English chemist Michael Faraday. Recently, substitutes have been found and developed, since benzene was discovered to be a dangerous carcinogenic. Numerous substitutes are developed by exchanging one of the hydrogen atoms in Benzene's chemical structure with other members of its functional group.

Phenol

• Phenol is formed when benzene's electron ratio is reduced, by either adding an ion or atom or removing an electron. In the early 19th century, phenol was used by physicians such as Sir Joseph Lister as an an anti-septic in surgeries, but was replaced because of skin irritation. Today, phenol is a key material in the manufacture of herbicides, sunscreens, hair dyes and aspirin. Long-term contact with phenol can cause second-degree burns or dermatitis.

Toulene

• A mono-substituted derivative of benzene, toluene naturally occurs in crude oil and is a by-product of the production of gasoline. Most frequently, toluene is produced when benzene reacts with methyl chloride or when phenyl magnesium bromide is reacted with methyl bromide. It is used commonly in construction and as a solvent, and its smell is often associated with paint thinners. Sustained exposure to toluene can cause neurological damage.

Aniline

• Aniline is formed when benzene is nitrated and then the nitrobenzene is hydrogenated. Its smell is often characterized as similar to rotten fish. In the late 19th century, aniline was heavily produced as a dye, in Europe's booming garment industry. Today, aniline is used in the production of Tylenol and in rubber processing industries. When inhaled, aniline can be toxic and is sometimes classified as a carcinogenic.

Biphenyl

• An organic compound that produces a pleasant smell, biphenyl is a natural element in coal tar and crude oil. Biphenyl molecules are recognizable by their two phenyl rings. It is commonly used to prevent mold and fungus growth, in the production of some drugs and dyes and in fruit preservation.

Naphthalene

• Naphthalene can result from the loss of several hydrogen atoms from benzene molecules. Though naphthalene is an ingredient in mothballs, it was heavily produced during the 20th century as a by-product of petroleum refinement. Oddly enough, naphthalene is also naturally found in some deer, termites and magnolias. Some research has indicated that it could be a carcinogenic, effect red blood cell counts and cause fatigue, diarrhea and jaundice after sustained contact.