Why is benzene carcinogenic and toluene not?

Subject: Why is benzene carcinogenic and toluene not?

Date: Thu Sep 28 15:45:04 2000
Posted by Justin
Grade level: undergrad School: No school entered.
City: Knoxville State/Province: TN Country: USA
Area of science: Biochemistry
ID: 970170304.Bc

Message:


I have been wondering why benzene is carcinogenic and other aromatic 
compounds are not.  Toluene, for example, differs from benzene by only a 
methyl group.  What is it about benzene's chemical structure that makes it 
such a potent carcinogen.

Re: Why is benzene carcinogenic and toluene not?

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