Toluene (C₇H₈) is a colorless, water-insoluble aromatic hydrocarbon with a distinctive sweet, benzene-like odor. It is a widely used industrial solvent and an important raw material in the manufacture of paints, coatings, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and chemicals. Toluene evaporates quickly and has good solvency for many organic compounds. It is also used as a fuel additive and in chemical synthesis.