Benzene is an organic chemical compound with the chemical formula C6H6. The benzene molecule is composed of six carbon atoms joined in a ring with one hydrogen atom attached to each. Benzene is a natural component of crude oil and is one of the primary petrochemicals. Benzene is a highly flammable and colourless liquid and has a sweet smell.
Benzene is used primarily as a precursor to the manufacture of chemicals with more complex structure, such as ethylbenzene and isopropyl-benzene (cumene). It is also used to produce plastics, resins, synthetic fibres, lubricants, detergents and pesticides. Benzene is also a major part of gasoline fuel.