Chemical laboratory

Xylene

Versatile Industrial Solvent for Paints and Polymers

  • CAS 1330-20-7
  • Formula C₈H₁₀
  • Flash Pt 27-32 °C
  • Density 0.86-0.87 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 137-140 °C °C
Flash point 27-32 °C °C
Density 0.86-0.87 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility Insoluble in water -
Ph N/A -
Molecular weight 106.17 g/mol g/mol
Melting point -47.87°C (mixture of isomers) °C
Vapor pressure 8 mmHg at 20°C mmHg
Autoignition temp 463-528°C -
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid -
Odor Aromatic -
Vapor density 3.66 (air = 1) g/cm³

Overview

Xylene (C₈H₁₀) is a clear, colorless aromatic hydrocarbon widely used across industrial applications as a high-performance solvent and chemical intermediate. With its excellent dissolving properties and moderate evaporation rate, xylene serves as an essential component in paint formulations, polymer production, and various cleaning applications. This mixture of isomers offers consistent performance with a boiling point range of 137-140°C and molecular weight of 106.17 g/mol.

Key Applications

  • Paint and Coating Industries: Functions as an effective paint thinner and solvent, providing optimal viscosity control and film formation in industrial coatings, automotive paints, and protective finishes.
  • Polymer and Plastics Production: Serves as a critical chemical intermediate in manufacturing polystyrene, polyester resins, and other polymer materials, contributing to product quality and processing efficiency.
  • Industrial Cleaning: Utilized as a powerful degreasing agent and cleaning solvent for equipment maintenance, parts washing, and surface preparation in manufacturing environments.
  • Laboratory and Research: Applied as a reagent in analytical chemistry, histology procedures, and various research applications requiring high-purity aromatic solvents.

Safety & Handling

Xylene requires careful handling due to its flammable nature, with a flash point of 27-32°C. Ensure adequate ventilation in work areas and use appropriate personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and respiratory protection when necessary. Avoid ignition sources and maintain temperatures below the autoignition point of 463-528°C during processing and storage.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store xylene in tightly sealed containers away from heat, sparks, and incompatible materials including strong oxidizing agents. Maintain storage temperatures in cool, dry areas with proper ventilation systems. Use appropriate containers such as steel drums or approved plastic vessels to prevent contamination and ensure product integrity throughout the shelf life.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical provides reliable Xylene supply from our Taylor, Texas facility with same-day shipping capabilities. We offer flexible delivery options including UPS for smaller quantities and LTL/FTL freight services for bulk orders. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to support your quality assurance requirements and regulatory compliance.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Same-day shipping on orders before 1 PM CT

Available Sizes

Xylene - 1 Quart Can

1 Quart Can

$17.63

 Xylene - 1 Gallon Can

1 Gallon Can

$33.87

 Xylene - 5 Gallon Pail

5 Gallon Pail

$108.25

 Xylene - 55 Gallon Drum

55 Gallon Drum

$956.04
View all sizes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is xylene (CAS 1330-20-7) and what is it used for?
Xylene (C8H10, CAS 1330-20-7) is an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent composed of ortho-, meta- and para- isomers. It is used industrially and in laboratories as a solvent for paints, coatings, inks, adhesives, degreasing, and as a feedstock/intermediate in petrochemical processes.
How should xylene be stored and what is its shelf life?
Store xylene in tightly closed, labeled containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources and oxidizers. When kept sealed under proper conditions it is chemically stable; suppliers typically recommend using solvent-grade xylene within 1–3 years depending on grade and storage conditions.
What are the main safety hazards and recommended handling precautions for xylene?
Xylene is a flammable liquid and can cause CNS effects if inhaled at high concentrations; it may irritate skin and eyes. Use explosion-proof ventilation, avoid ignition sources, wear chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile), safety goggles, and a respirator if ventilation is inadequate; follow the SDS for emergency measures.
What do different xylene concentrations and grades mean?
Commercial xylene is supplied as technical mixed xylenes (a blend of o-, m-, p- isomers often with ethylbenzene) or as single-isomer products (o-xylene, p-xylene), and in solvent-purity grades ranging from ~95% to >99.9%. Higher-purity and single-isomer grades are selected based on application requirements such as synthesis feedstock or analytical use.
What documentation is available for xylene before purchase or use?
Suppliers provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Certificates of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheets (TDS), and regulatory compliance information upon request. These documents detail hazards, composition, physical/chemical data, and handling, and should be reviewed before use or transport.
How is xylene shipped and what packaging options are typical?
Xylene is shipped as a Class 3 flammable liquid (typically UN 1307) under applicable dangerous goods regulations, with appropriate labeling and documentation. Common packagings include drums (205 L), IBCs, and bulk tankers; small volume bottles are available from laboratory suppliers.
Is xylene compatible with common materials and container types?
Xylene is generally compatible with carbon steel and stainless steel tanks and glass, but can swell or degrade many elastomers and some plastics (e.g., certain rubbers, polystyrene, and some coatings). Always perform material compatibility testing and consult supplier guidance for seals, gaskets and specific plastics.
What are typical technical specifications for xylene (key physical properties)?
Typical values for mixed xylenes: molecular weight ~106.17 g/mol, density ~0.86–0.88 g/mL (20–25°C), boiling range ~138–144°C, and flash point ~25–30°C (closed cup); refractive index commonly ~1.496–1.503. Exact specifications vary by grade and are provided on the TDS/COA.
Which industries and applications commonly use xylene?
Xylene is used across coatings and paint manufacturing, printing inks, adhesives, rubber and leather processing, metal degreasing, petrochemical synthesis (including p-xylene feedstock), and laboratories as a solvent and reagent. Choice of grade depends on application purity and regulatory requirements.
How can I purchase xylene and what availability/lead times should I expect?
Xylene is widely available from chemical distributors and producers in various grades and pack sizes (laboratory bottles to bulk tanker loads); minimum order quantities and lead times depend on supplier and region. Request SDS/COA from suppliers, confirm regulatory shipping requirements, and discuss delivery options for bulk or specialty grades.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Available for all products

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