Volatility refers to the tendency of a substance to vaporize or evaporate. The higher the volatility, the easier it is for a substance to transform from a liquid to a gas.

Factors affecting volatility:

* Intermolecular forces: Weaker intermolecular forces result in higher volatility.

* Molecular weight: Lower molecular weight compounds tend to be more volatile.

* Vapor pressure: Higher vapor pressure indicates greater volatility.

Comparison of benzene and toluene:

* Molecular weight: Toluene (92.14 g/mol) has a slightly higher molecular weight than benzene (78.11 g/mol).

* Intermolecular forces: Both benzene and toluene are nonpolar molecules, primarily held together by London dispersion forces. However, toluene has a larger surface area and greater polarizability, leading to slightly stronger London dispersion forces.

* Vapor pressure: Toluene has a higher vapor pressure than benzene at a given temperature.

Conclusion:

Although the difference in volatility between benzene and toluene is relatively small, toluene is considered more volatile due to its higher vapor pressure and slightly weaker intermolecular forces.