ETYM From Benzoin.
A colorless liquid hydrocarbon; highly inflammable; carcinogenic; SYN. benzine, benzol.
C6H6 clear liquid hydrocarbon of characteristic odor, occurring in coal tar. It is used as a solvent and in the synthesis of many chemicals.
The benzene molecule consists of a ring of six carbon atoms, all of which are in a single plane, and it is one of the simplest cyclic compounds. Benzene is the simplest of a class of compounds collectively known as aromatic compounds. Some are considered carcinogenic (cancer-inducing).
Hydrocarbon distilled from coaltar.