Xylene

Product Overview

Xylene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet, aromatic odor that is widely used as a solvent in industrial formulations and manufacturing processes. This hydrocarbon comprises three isomers—ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene—each contributing distinct solvency, volatility, and compatibility characteristics that support a broad range of applications. The product is supplied with rigorous quality control to meet ACS Reagent Grade and USP-NF Monograph standards, ensuring consistent purity and performance for critical solvent and intermediate roles in coatings, specialty chemicals, and analytical workflows. The material is typically stored under inert conditions to minimize oxidative degradation and maintain alignment with strict COA specifications, including low water content and controlled residue after evaporation for high-purity applications.

Its compatibility with a wide array of organic solvents and excellent solvating power make xylene a versatile choice for paint formulation, chemical synthesis, extraction, and analytical chromatography. The isomeric composition can be tailored to optimize evaporation rate, solvency, and compatibility with resins and rubbers in coating systems. When used in laboratory settings, xylene supports precise chromatographic separations and analytical extractions, while in industrial contexts it serves as a robust cleaning agent and degreasing solvent for metal parts and machinery.

Key Properties

• Assay (wt %): 99.0 – 100.5 (typical 99.7; test method: Titration with standardized NaOH)
• Chemical Formula: C₈H₁₀
• Molecular Weight: 106.16 g/mol
• Boiling Point: 137–144°C
• Specific Gravity (25°C): 0.865 – 0.870 (typical 0.867)
• Specific Gravity (20°C): 0.864 – 0.869 (typical 0.867)
• Water Content (H₂O): ≤ 0.05 % (typical 0.02 %) (Karl Fischer)
• Color (APHA): ≤ 5 (typical 2) (APHA/Hazen)
• Residue on Evaporation: ≤ 0.01 % (typical 0.005 %) (gravimetric)
• Chloride (Cl⁻): ≤ 50 ppm (typical 20 ppm) (Ion Chromatography)
• Nitrate (NO₃⁻): ≤ 20 ppm (typical 5 ppm) (Ion Chromatography)
• Heavy Metals (as Pb): ≤ 0.5 ppm (typical 0.1 ppm) (ICP-MS)
• Iron (Fe): ≤ 0.2 ppm (typical 0.05 ppm) (ICP-OES)

Common Applications

• Solvent for Paints: Used in formulation of paints and coatings to improve flow, leveling, and film formation, compatible with resins and pigments in industrial coatings.
• Chemical Intermediate: Serves as a precursor for production of plastics, synthetic fibers, and various specialty chemicals.
• Extraction Solvent (Pharmaceutical): Employed in extraction procedures to isolate active pharmaceutical ingredients from natural matrices.
• HPLC Solvent (Analytical Chemistry): Commonly used as a non-polar solvent component in reversed-phase chromatography for compound separation.
• Cleaning Agent (Maintenance): Effective degreasing solvent for metal parts and machinery in manufacturing environments.
• Reaction Medium: Used as a swelling solvent and reaction medium for certain polymerization and aromatic substitution processes.

Safety Precautions

Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat sources, open flames, and oxidizing agents. Use containers made of HDPE or glass; keep away from incompatible materials and ensure proper labeling. Handling requires appropriate PPE, including chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing to prevent skin and eye contact; ensure adequate ventilation or use fume containment. Ground and bond during transfer to minimize static ignition risk.

In the event of exposure, follow standard emergency procedures: for eye contact flush with water for several minutes; for skin contact wash with soap and water; if inhaled, move to fresh air and seek medical attention if symptoms persist; if ingested, do not induce vomiting and seek medical attention immediately. This product is flammable (Flash Point 25°C) and should be kept away from ignition sources and hot surfaces. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet for complete handling, storage, and disposal guidelines.

Benefits

✔ High Purity ACS/USP-Grade Quality – Meets stringent ACS Reagent Grade and USP-NF Monograph specifications for reliable solvent performance in critical applications.
✔ Excellent Solvency and Compatibility – Broad solvency with resins, coatings, and organic materials, supporting efficient formulation and production processes.
✔ Controlled Impurities – Low water content, minimal residue after evaporation, and trace metals within specified limits to protect downstream processes.
✔ Quality Assurance and Traceability – Comprehensive COA with typical and min/max assay, density, and impurity data aligned to QA sampling plans.