or Benzene. It is an aromatic hydrocarbon and a colourless liquid, soluble in alcohol, ethers and acetone, and insoluble in water. In painting techniques and restoration, it was largely utilized as a solvent for fat substances, resins, bitumen and varnishes in general. Given its toxicity, it has been almost completely substituted by its derivatives (toluene and above all xylene) which have analogous properties but are less toxic.