Benzene and three of its chemical derivatives, chlorobenzene, methylbenzene and phenol, are aromatic compounds which have a variety of industrial applications.
Benzene is mainly used in the manufacture of other more complex chemicals, such as ethylbenzene and cumene. Billions of kilograms of ethylbenzene and cumene are produced annually.
Like benzene, chlorobenzene is used to make several other chemicals. It is also used to degrease car parts and in some pesticide formulations.
In industry, methylbenzene is known by its common name, toluene. It is used as a solvent in paint thinner, permanent markers, contact cement and glue.
Phenol is a benzene ring with an -OH group attached in place of one of the hydrogen atoms, and its chemical derivatives are used in the manufacture of various plastics, nylon, detergents, herbicides and various pharmaceutical drugs.
Compare the relative reactivities of benzene, chlorobenzene, methylbenzene and phenol in terms of electrophilic substitution reactions.