Production and uses of toluene derivatives

The predominant uses for toluene are, depending on location, the production of benzene by dealkylation (predominantly in the USA), the application as an aromatic solvent, the production of toluene diisocyanate through nitrotoluene intermediates and the manufacture of the oxidation products benzoic acid, benzalde-hyde and benzyl alcohol. 

The production of toluene-derived phenol and 8-caprolactam is carried out only in rare cases. 

Versatile aromatic intermediates, especially in the manufacture of plant protection agents and dyestuffs, are the chlorinated toluene derivatives o- and p-chloro-toluene, benzyl chloride, and benzotrichloride, together with toluene nitro-deriva-tives. Sulfonic acids of toluene have extensive applications as surfactants. 

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