Toluene (CAS 108-88-3) and anisole (CAS 100-66-3) are both aromatic compounds built on a benzene ring, which is why the two names are sometimes confused in sourcing inquiries. In practice, however, they belong to different product categories, serve different downstream industries, and are rarely interchangeable in formulation.
Buyers searching for a toluene supplier or an industrial grade toluene source for solvent and petrochemical feedstock use should not assume the same vendor list applies to an anisole manufacturer supplying material for fragrance or pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis - the two are sourced through different supply chains and priced on different scales. This guide breaks down the structural, physical, and commercial differences between toluene(CAS 108-88-3) and anisole (CAS 100-66-3) to help buyers confirm they are sourcing the right material, from the right type of supplier, for their application.
Specification
| Property | Toluene | Anisole |
|---|---|---|
| CAS No. | 108-88-3 | 100-66-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₈ (C₆H₅CH₃) | C₇H₈O (C₆H₅OCH₃) |
| Molecular Weight | 92.14 g/mol | 108.14 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless, transparent liquid | Colorless liquid |
| Melting Point | -95°C | -37°C |
| Boiling Point | 110–111°C | 153–154°C |
| Density (25°C) | ~0.865 g/cm³ | ~0.996 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | 4°C | 41°C |
| Solubility in Water | Slightly soluble | Slightly soluble |
| Hazard Class | Class 3 (Flammable Liquid) | Class 3 (Flammable Liquid) |
| UN No. | UN 1294 | UN 2222 |
| Typical Purity Grade | ≥99.5% (industrial), 99.9% (HPLC/reagent) | ≥99% (industrial/reagent) |
| Typical Packaging | ISO Tank, Drum, Flexitank | Drum, IBC, ISO Tank (upon request) |
| Market Position | Large-volume commodity solvent/feedstock | Fine chemical / specialty intermediate |
Chemical Structure
Toluene consists of a benzene ring with a single methyl (-CH₃) substituent. Anisole consists of a benzene ring with a methoxy (-OCH₃) substituent in place of the methyl group. This difference in substituent - carbon-based versus oxygen-linked - makes anisole's aromatic ring more chemically reactive, which is one reason it is favored as a starting material in fragrance and pharmaceutical synthesis, while toluene is more commonly used as a bulk solvent or petrochemical feedstock.
Physical Properties
Toluene is a colorless, transparent, highly volatile and flammable liquid (flash point 4°C), which is why it is regulated and shipped strictly as a Class 3 flammable liquid with tight ventilation and ignition-source controls during storage.
Anisole is also a colorless liquid, with a notably higher boiling point and flash point (41°C) than toluene, making it comparatively less volatile and somewhat easier to handle in enclosed processes, though it still requires standard flammable-liquid precautions.
Uses and Downstream Applications
Toluene is primarily used as:
- A feedstock for producing styrene, para-xylene, ortho-xylene, and benzene derivatives
- An organic solvent in paints, coatings, adhesives, and inks
- A component in gasoline blending and rubber processing
Anisole is primarily used as:
- A synthetic intermediate for fragrance and flavor compounds
- A building block in pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis
- A raw material in certain agrochemical and specialty organic synthesis routes
Because of these differing end uses, toluene is generally sourced through toluene bulk supply channels - priced and shipped as a large-volume commodity chemical in ISO tanks or tank trucks - while anisole is purchased as a lower-volume specialty/fine chemical, typically in drums or IBCs from a dedicated high purity anisole supplier, with purity and impurity profile mattering more than price per kilogram.
Which One Do You Actually Need?
If your process requires a general-purpose solvent, or you are producing styrene, xylene, or similar aromatic derivatives, toluene is the appropriate material. If your process involves fragrance, flavor, or pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis where a methoxy-substituted aromatic building block is required, anisole is the correct choice. The two are not substitutes for one another in formulation - buyers should confirm the required functional group (methyl vs. methoxy) with their process/R&D team before finalizing a purchase order, rather than choosing based on name similarity or price alone.
FAQ
Q1: Is anisole the same as toluene?
A: No. Although both are aromatic compounds, anisole contains a methoxy group (-OCH₃), while toluene contains a methyl group (-CH₃), resulting in different chemical properties and applications.
Q2: Can anisole replace toluene as a solvent?
A: No. They are not direct substitutes. Toluene is mainly used as a bulk solvent, while anisole is mainly used as a specialty chemical intermediate.
Q3: Which one is more commonly purchased industrially?
A: Toluene is purchased in much larger quantities because of its wide use as a solvent and petrochemical feedstock. Anisole is typically purchased in smaller quantities for specialty applications.
Q4: Do you supply both toluene and anisole with COA and SDS?
A: Yes. Both toluene (CAS 108-88-3) and anisole (CAS 100-66-3) are supplied with batch-tested COA, SDS, and TDS documentation, in packaging options including drum, IBC, ISO tank, and flexitank.
Sourcing Toluene or Anisole
TIANJIN GNEE BIOTECH CO., LTD. supplies both toluene (CAS 108-88-3) and anisole (CAS 100-66-3) with batch-tested COA, SDS, and TDS documentation.
View our [Toluene product page] for full specifications, packaging options, and MOQ
View our [Anisole product page] for full specifications, packaging options, and MOQ
For a formal quotation, please provide: required quantity, packaging preference (drum/IBC/ISO tank/flexitank), destination port, and intended application. Our team will respond with pricing, lead time, and shipping terms.
