Xylene is a colorless, volatile, sweet-smelling, flammable liquid that is insoluble in water and remains on its surface when mixed with water. Xylene consists of two methyl groups attached to the six-carbon ring of benzene, therefore it is also called dimethylbenzene.

Xylene is a term used for the mixture of three isomers of xylene, i.e. Ortho-Xylene, Meta-Xylene, and Para-Xylene we have explained each one specifically in other articles.

This material is mainly used as a solvent and is used in the printing, rubber, and leather industries and can replace toluene in places where slower drying is required. This chemical is primarily a synthetic chemical. However, it occurs naturally in oil, and coal, and is produced during forest fires.

Xylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon widely used as a solvent in industry and medical technology. The chemical formula of this compound is C6 H4 (CH 3) 2. This compound is found in small amounts in jet fuel, gasoline, and cigarette smoke.

Features of xylene

The chemical and physical properties of xylene are different according to the respective isomers. The melting point of this compound varies from -47.87°C (m-Xylene) to 13.26°C (p-Xylene). Typically, the melting point of the para isomer is much higher because it easily fits into the crystal structure. The boiling point of each isomer is around 140°C (284°F).

The density of each isomer is about 0.87 g/ml, and as a result, it has a lower density than water. This chemical in the air can be identified by the smell in concentrations from 0.08 to 3.7 ppm, and in water with a concentration of 0.53 to 1.8 ppm, its sweet taste can be recognized.

Specific applications of xylene

Xylene, often called xylol, is a powerful chemical solvent. This substance is derived from petroleum and therefore has certain advantages over other similar products.

It may seem odd, but solvents are chemical composites that are molecularly similar to the substances they are designed to dissolve. Since xylene is made from petroleum, it is especially good at removing paints, wood stains, and other synthetic products without damaging surfaces. It also acts as a solvent with compounds used on metals to prevent rust. Other materials that xylene will dissolve include a variety of adhesives and putty, as well as grease, glazes, resins, and waterproofing materials.