What is benzene?

Benzene was first isolated in 1825 by Michael Faraday who determined C:H ratio to be 1:1. It was synthesized in 1834 by Eilhard Mitscherlich who determined molecular formula to be C6H6. He named it as benzin, since it was derived from gum benzoin and now it is called, benzene.

The first structure for benzene, proposed by August Kekulé in 1872, consisted of a six-membered ring with alternating single and double bonds and with one hydrogen bonded to each carbon.

Benzene was discovered by USA soft drink industry in 1990 that benzene could be produced at low levels in certain soft drinks. Benzene can form in beverages containing benzoate salts and either vitamin C or erythorbic acid, a relate substance, if certain minerals are present.

Molecular formula of benzene is C6H6, it is highly unsaturated. Benzene is a liquid that smells like gasoline and it boils at 80°C & freezes at 5.5°C. Benzene is a very stable than alkenes so benzenes do not undergo reaction that alkenes do.

Benzene was formerly used to decaffeinate coffee and component of many consumer products, such as paint strippers, rubber cements, and home dry-cleaning spot removers. It is a natural constituent of petroleum products, but because it is a known carcinogen, its use as an additive in gasoline is now limited. In 1970s it was associated with leukemia deaths.
What is benzene?