Colourless, flammable, toxic liquid hydrocarbon 6 H 5 CH 3 ), the methyl derivative of {{link=benzene">benzene .
Found in coal-tar light oil and in petroleum , it is obtained chiefly from the processing of petroleum fractions. It is used as a solvent, diluent, and thinner; as an antiknock additive in airplane gasoline; and as a raw material for TNT , benzoic acid and its derivatives, saccharin, dyes, photographic chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.