BENZENE

BENZENE, elementary aromatic hydro­carbon.  The  B.  production  by  catalytic reforming of the straight­run narrow fraction gasolines in hydrogen pressure conditions was mastered in Bashkortostan in the 1950s. Used  for  the  production  of  ethyl­  (ref. Styrene), chlor­, dichlor­B., cumene, sur­ factants, pharmaceuticals, as an additive for motor fuel, etc. Cyclohexane of special purity was produced from B. in the early 60s at the Ufa Oil Refinery. RB is a leader (21%) in synthetic B. production in the RF (2017).