From Chemical Structure to Public Perception:Demystifying Common Misconceptions About Structure,Properties and Toxicity of Benzene Derivatives
LIN Rui1, ZHENG Wen-Yang1,2**, HE Juan-Lin1, REN Shuang1, ZHANG Hang1**
1. School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,Shaanxi Normal University,Xi'an 710119,China; 2. Shandong Provincial Experimental High School,Jinan 250121,China
Abstract Based on the aromatic ring structure and highly delocalized π-electron system,benzene and its derivatives have found broad applications in medicine,materials science,and chemical engineering.However,widespread public misconceptions regarding benzene-based compounds have emerged,largely attributable to the inherent toxicity of benzene itself and misleading commercial promotions,often leading to unsubstantiated health concerns.Drawing on the concept of substituent effects in organic chemistry,this article systematically examines the structure-activity relationships between substituents and the biological properties of benzene derivatives.By incorporating examples of commonly used benzene-containing consumer products as well as naturally occurring benzene-ring-containing substances,we demonstrate that the toxicity of a benzene derivative is primarily determined by the chemical nature and exposure dosage of its substituents.This article aims to rectify the fallacious notion that“the presence of a benzene ring implies high toxicity”to bridge the gap between public perception and scientific evidence,and to facilitate scientifically informed public assessment of industrial chemicals.
LIN Rui, ZHENG Wen-Yang, HE Juan-Lin, REN Shuang, ZHANG Hang. From Chemical Structure to Public Perception:Demystifying Common Misconceptions About Structure,Properties and Toxicity of Benzene Derivatives[J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Education, 2026, 47(12): 1-6.
