Xylene
Xylene is a clear, colorless, flammable aromatic hydrocarbon solvent consisting of three isomers: ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene. It is widely utilized in various industries for its excellent solvency, chemical stability, and moderate evaporation rate. Xylene serves as a key raw material in chemical manufacturing and an effective solvent in coatings, adhesives, inks, and cleaning applications.
Xylene
Primary Uses
- Chemical Industry
- Solvent for Paints, Varnishes, and Coatings: Dissolves resins, polymers, and additives, improving application and drying properties.
- Feedstock in Polyester Production: Used to manufacture terephthalic acid and dimethyl terephthalate, essential intermediates in polyester fiber and plastic production.
- Laboratory & Industrial Cleaning
- Cleaning Agent: Removes grease, oil, and residues from laboratory glassware, metal parts, and equipment surfaces.
- Printing Industry
- Ink Solvent: Provides appropriate viscosity and drying times in printing inks for various substrates.
Secondary Uses
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Chemical Intermediate: Involved in synthesis pathways of certain pharmaceutical compounds.
- Rubber Industry
- Processing Aid: Incorporated in rubber cement formulations and used for cleaning rubber processing machinery.
- Construction Industry
- Thinner & Degreaser: Used to thin adhesives and coatings and clean tools and surfaces.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Dimethylbenzene
- Common/Trade Name: Xylene
- CAS Number: 1330-20-7
- HS Code: 2902.30.00
- Synonyms: Dimethylbenzene, Xylol
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Liquid
- Color & Odor: Clear, colorless; sweet aromatic odor
- Boiling Point: 138–144 °C (depending on isomer)
- Flash Point: ~27 °C (closed cup)
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, ether, and other organic solvents
- Density: Approx. 0.87 g/cm³
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 3), harmful if inhaled, skin irritant
- Toxicity: Moderate toxicity; prolonged exposure can cause central nervous system effects such as dizziness, headache, and nausea
- Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 100 ppm (8-hour TWA), ACGIH TLV: 100 ppm
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, open flames, and incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers
- Container Type: Steel drums or tightly sealed containers suitable for flammable liquids
- Shelf Life: Stable for several years if stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid inhalation and skin contact, wear protective gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection as needed
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with:
- OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations for workplace safety
- REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) in the European Union
- TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) inventory requirements in the U.S.
- GHS (Globally Harmonized System) classification for chemical hazards
- Transport Regulations: Classified as a flammable liquid under ADR, IMDG, and DOT regulations (UN No. 1307)
- Manufactured under: Standard industrial chemical manufacturing practices; GMP applicable when used in pharmaceutical or food-grade synthesis contexts
- Environmental Compliance: Meets environmental laws for emissions, discharge, and disposal including EPA standards
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Provided in compliance with applicable regulations
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
- Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms; avoid release to waterways
- Bioaccumulation: Potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Protective gloves, safety goggles, and respirators recommended in confined or poorly ventilated spaces
- Handling Guidelines: Minimize vapour inhalation; avoid static discharge and ignition sources
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed and away from incompatible materials
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move victim to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
- Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
- Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Highly flammable liquid and vapor; vapors may form explosive mixtures with air
- Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide extinguishers
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other toxic fumes
Related products
Cyclohexanone
Cyclohexanone is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sharp, sweet, acetone-like odor. It is a cyclic ketone with the molecular formula C₆H₁₀O and a moderately high boiling point. Cyclohexanone is a key intermediate in the chemical industry, primarily used in the manufacture of nylon, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. Its excellent solvency and chemical reactivity make it valuable for a wide range of industrial applications, including solvent use and chemical synthesis.
Di Acetone Alcohol
Di Acetone Alcohol (chemical name: 4-Hydroxy-4-methylpentan-2-one) is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild acetone-like odor. It is a versatile organic solvent and intermediate widely used in the manufacture of coatings, adhesives, inks, and specialty chemicals. Di Acetone Alcohol exhibits excellent solvency for resins, oils, and fats, combined with moderate evaporation rate and low volatility compared to acetone, making it suitable for controlled drying applications. It also serves as a chemical intermediate in synthesis reactions and as a component in solvent blends to optimize performance and drying characteristics.
Ethoxy Propanol
Ethoxy Propanol, also known as Propylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (PnP), is a clear, colorless, low-viscosity solvent with a mild ether-like odor. It belongs to the family of glycol ethers and is miscible with water and most organic solvents. Ethoxy Propanol is widely valued for its excellent solvency, moderate evaporation rate, and compatibility with both polar and non-polar systems. It is extensively used in coatings, inks, cleaners, and chemical synthesis applications due to its balance of performance and safety.
Isopropyl Alcohol Tech Grade
Isopropyl Alcohol Tech Grade is a colorless, flammable liquid with a strong, characteristic alcohol odor. It is a solution containing approximately 85% isopropanol by volume, with the remainder primarily water. This technical-grade IPA is widely used as a solvent, disinfectant, and cleaning agent in industrial, pharmaceutical, and household applications. The 85% concentration balances efficacy with safety and evaporation rate, making it versatile for various uses.
Methylene Chloride (Dichloromethane)
Methylene Chloride (Dichloromethane), also known as methylene chloride, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a sweet, chloroform-like odor. It is a chlorinated solvent widely used in industrial, pharmaceutical, and laboratory applications due to its excellent solvent properties, including high volatility, moderate polarity, and low boiling point (about 39.6°C). DCM is prized for its ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds, making it ideal for extraction, paint stripping, degreasing, and chemical processing. However, due to health and environmental concerns, its use is regulated and controlled in many countries.
Perchloroethylene
Perchloroethylene (also known as tetrachloroethylene or PCE) is a clear, colorless liquid with a sweet odor, widely used as a solvent in dry cleaning and industrial degreasing. It has excellent solvent power for organic materials, is non-flammable, and chemically stable under normal conditions. Perchloroethylene is valued for its efficiency in removing oils, greases, and waxes from fabrics and metals, and serves as a key chemical intermediate in various industrial applications.
Solvent Naphtha
Solvent Naphtha is a flammable, volatile hydrocarbon mixture derived from petroleum distillation. Characterized by its sharp, petroleum-like odor, it is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid. It is a versatile industrial solvent prized for its ability to dissolve oils, fats, resins, and rubber. Its balanced evaporation rate and strong solvency make it a key component in formulations requiring a powerful yet controllable solvent.
Trichloroethylene
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a clear, non-flammable chlorinated solvent with a sweet, chloroform-like odor. It is widely used as an industrial solvent for degreasing and cleaning metal parts, thanks to its excellent ability to dissolve oils, greases, and waxes. Trichloroethylene is also used as a chemical intermediate and in the manufacture of adhesives, paints, and coatings. Its volatility and solvency make it essential in many manufacturing and maintenance processes, although use is regulated due to environmental and health concerns.

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