Xylene

Xylene (systematically named dimethylbenzene) is a colorless, transparent aromatic hydrocarbon liquid formed through the substitution of two hydrogen atoms on a benzene ring with methyl functional groups. This compound demonstrates a characteristic boiling point range of 137-140°C. The structural configuration gives rise to three isomeric variations determined by the relative positioning of the methyl substituents: ortho-xylene (1,2-dimethylbenzene), meta-xylene (1,3-dimethylbenzene), and para-xylene (1,4-dimethylbenzene). In industrial contexts, the term "xylene" typically refers to a commercial mixture comprising these three structural isomers along with varying proportions of ethylbenzene. Commercial specifications are generally categorized as premium or first-grade quality, with purified batches demonstrating controlled distillation ranges of either 3°C or 5°C according to established chemical industry standards.

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Safety Information

Xylene demonstrates complete miscibility with ethanol, chloroform, and diethyl ether while being immiscible with aqueous systems. This compound serves extensively as an organic solvent in pharmaceutical synthesis, coating formulations, polymer resins, dye manufacturing, explosive production, and agrochemical preparations. The substance presents moderate toxicity with documented carcinogenic potential. Environmental contamination primarily stems from synthetic fiber production, plastic manufacturing, fuel processing, rubber commodities, coating additives, adhesive formulations, waterproofing materials, in addition to combustion emissions from hydrocarbon fuels and tobacco smoke. Regulatory frameworks govern its industrial applications to mitigate ecological and health impacts.