Which product is benzene typically found in?

Benzene is typically found in crude oil and gasoline due to its origin as a hydrocarbon. It is a natural component of crude oil and is generated during the refining process that creates gasoline. In the refining process, various hydrocarbons, including benzene, are separated and utilized in different products. Benzene is significant in the petroleum industry and is widely recognized for its role as a starting material in the production of various chemicals, including plastics, resins, and synthetic fibers.

Options such as coal, saltwater, and vegetable oil do not commonly contain benzene. Coal consists primarily of carbon and various minerals, and while it can release benzene during combustion, it is not present in meaningful amounts within the coal itself. Saltwater, primarily composed of water and salt (sodium chloride), certainly does not contain benzene, as it is an organic compound. Vegetable oil is derived from plants and, while it contains various natural fatty acids, it does not include benzene as part of its chemical composition. Thus, the correct association of benzene with crude oil and gasoline highlights its importance in these particular products.