Benzene. Computer graphic of a molecule of benzene. The atoms are colour-coded: carbon (C) is blue and hydrogen (H) is white. Benzene has the chemical formula C6H6. Benzene is a thin, colourless liquid with a characteristic smell. It is highly inflammable and long-term exposure to it is thought to cause cancer. Benzene is obtained commercially from components (fractions) of petroleum using catalytic reforming. It is used to manufacture other chemicals and as a solvent for most simple organic chemicals.