Volatile organic components (VOC) in the air entail health and environmental concerns. A possibility to treat industrial polluted air loaded with VOCs is absorption. In case of hydrophobic components such as toluene, poor solubility in water requires to use a specific heavy absorbent. A detailed comparison and evaluation of different kinds of organic absorbent was undertaken in purpose of toluene absorption. Four chemical classes were tested (i) polyethylene glycols, (ii) phthalates (iii) adipates and (iv) silicon oil. Experiments were performed to check gas-liquid partitioning and viscosity. Diffusion coefficients were calculated. Results showed that di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate best suits the requirements to be used as an industrial absorbent. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.