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Product Overview
Xylene (also known as Xylol or Dimethylbenzene) is a high-purity, colorless, flammable liquid utilized extensively as a solvent in industrial manufacturing, laboratory research, and chemical synthesis. This product meets rigorous specifications, ensuring minimal impurities and consistent evaporation rates required for critical applications.
As a hydrocarbon mixture of three isomers (ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene), this solvent exhibits excellent compatibility with resins, gums, and organic compounds. It is a standard choice for histology laboratories for tissue processing and staining, as well as an effective thinner for paints, varnishes, and enamels. In industrial settings, Xylene serves as a powerful degreaser for metal equipment and a raw material in the production of synthetic fibers and plastics.
Alliance Chemical supplies Xylene in sizes ranging from 1 quart bottles to 55-gallon drums, catering to both small-scale laboratory needs and large-scale industrial consumption.
Key Properties
- CAS Number: 1330-20-7
- Chemical Formula: C8H10
- Molecular Weight: 106.16 g/mol
- Boiling Point: 137–144°C
- Appearance: Colorless liquid
- Water Content: ≤ 0.05% (Typical 0.02%)
- Residue after Evaporation: ≤ 0.005%
- Assay: ≥ 98.5% (Xylene isomers + Ethylbenzene)
Common Applications
- Paint & Coating Solvent: Regulates evaporation rates and improves leveling in oil-based paints, varnishes, and epoxies.
- Histology & Microscopy: Used as a clearing agent in tissue processing and staining protocols in laboratory settings.
- Industrial Degreasing: Effectively dissolves grease, oil, and adhesives from metal parts and machinery.
- Chemical Synthesis: Acts as a feedstock and reaction medium for manufacturing polymers and specialty chemicals.
- Equipment Cleaning: Solubilizes residues in manufacturing lines and application tools.
Safety Precautions
Xylene is a flammable liquid and vapor. Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces. Use only non-sparking tools and take precautionary measures against static discharge. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, and eye/face protection. Avoid breathing mist, vapors, or spray. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area (fume hood recommended for lab use). Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for comprehensive handling and emergency information.
Benefits
- High Purity: high-purity ensures low residue and consistent results in analytical and industrial processes.
- Versatile Solvency: Dissolves a wide range of organic materials including resins, fats, and waxes.
- Scalable Packaging: Available in convenient lab packs and bulk industrial drums.
- Technical Reliability: Manufactured to strict specifications for predictable performance.
Related Products
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 106.17 g/mol |
| Formula | C8H10 |
| Grade | Technical |
| Flash Point | 25 |
| Form | Liquid |
| Solubility | Low water solubility, excellent organic solvent |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless, volatile aromatic liquid |
| Melting Point | -47 °C |
| Boiling Point | 138 °C |
| Specific Gravity | 0.865 |
| Industry | Industrial, Petroleum, Chemical Processing |
Frequently Asked Questions About Xylene
What is Xylene and what is its chemical formula?
Xylene is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C8H10, registered under CAS Number 1330-20-7 by the Chemical Abstracts Service (PubChem), with a molecular weight of 106.17 g/mol. Alliance Chemical supplies Xylene in Technical grade for laboratory, industrial, and commercial applications.
What are the physical properties of Xylene?
According to the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, Xylene is supplied as a clear, colorless, volatile aromatic liquid. It has a melting point of -47°C, a boiling point of 138°C, a flash point of 25. The specific gravity is 0.865 relative to water. Solubility: Low water solubility, excellent organic solvent.
What grade and purity of Xylene does Alliance Chemical offer?
Alliance Chemical offers Xylene in Technical grade. Every lot ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) prepared in accordance with OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200 and GHS Revision 7. Download SDS.
What are common industrial applications of Xylene?
Xylene serves a wide range of sectors, including Industrial, Petroleum, and Chemical Processing.Alliance Chemical provides the documentation and quality certifications required for use in regulated environments.
What PPE is required when handling Xylene?
OSHA-mandated PPE per 29 CFR 1910.132-138:Nitrile gloves (8+ mil), safety goggles, flame-resistant clothing, grounded footwear, closed-toe chemical-resistant footwear. Respiratory protection (organic vapor cartridge) required in areas exceeding PEL/TLV per 29 CFR 1910.134. Emergency eyewash station and safety shower must be accessible within 10 seconds per ANSI Z358.1. Consult the SDS available from Alliance Chemical for complete PPE requirements.
What are the storage requirements for Xylene?
Store perOSHA 29 CFR 1910.106: Approved flammable storage cabinet, maximum 60 gallons per cabinet, grounding/bonding required. Temperature range:15-25°C. Segregate from:oxidizers, ignition sources. Maximum storage:2-3 years unopened.
What is the emergency spill procedure for Xylene?
Emergency response per EPA SPCC (40 CFR 112) and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120: (1) Alert personnel, evacuate area to 100 feet. (2) Eliminate ignition sources if flammable. (3) Don PPE per SDS Section 8. (4) Stop leak if safe; use emergency shutoffs. (5) Contain with non-combustible absorbent materials, dike with sand/earth. (6)Absorb with vermiculite or commercial spill kits. (7) Collect in DOT-approved containers, label as hazardous waste. Check 40 CFR 302.4 for Reportable Quantity. Emergency: Chemtel 1-800-255-3924 (24/7). Non-emergency: Alliance Chemical 512-365-6838.
What is the DOT shipping classification for Xylene?
DOT Classification per 49 CFR 172.101:UN1993 (Flammable Liquid, N.O.S.), Hazard Class3 (Flammable), Packing GroupII/III. Requires: Hazmat shipping papers (49 CFR 172.200), UN specification packaging (49 CFR 173), hazmat labels (172.400). Alliance Chemical ships all orders in DOT-compliant packaging with proper documentation.
How must Xylene waste be disposed?
Disposal per RCRA (40 CFR 261-265):Characteristic waste D001 (Ignitable, flash point <60°C). Generator requirements: EPA ID number required if >100 kg/month (40 CFR 262.12). Use EPA-permitted Treatment, Storage, Disposal Facility (TSDF). Never discharge to sewer without POTW written approval (40 CFR 403). Container disposal: Triple rinse (40 CFR 261.7), offer for reconditioning/recycling. State regulations may be more stringent — check with your local environmental agency. Consult the Alliance Chemical SDS for product-specific disposal guidance.
Does Alliance Chemical provide an SDS and COA for Xylene?
Yes. Alliance Chemical provides a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every lot of Xylene. The SDS is prepared in accordance with OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200 and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Revision 7, covering all 16 required sections including hazard identification, first aid measures, firefighting measures, handling and storage, exposure controls, and regulatory information. The SDS is available for download directly from this product page. COAs are available upon request by contacting Alliance Chemical at 512-365-6838.
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