Introduction
Xylene (CAS NO: 1330-20-7), also known asxylol or dimethylbenzene is an isomer of dimethylbenzene. There are three isomers namely ortho-xylene, m-xylene, and p-xylene. The chemical formula of xylene is C8H10. Each of these three isomers have a central benzene ring to which two methyl groups are attached. This compound is colorless and is flammable. The chemical mixture of xylene is slightly greasy, which is commonly encountered as a solvent.
Production
Xylenes are produced by coal carbonizationduring the manufacture of coke fuel. They are alsoproduced by catalytic reforming. They are present in crude oil in traces up to 1%, which is dependent on the source. Xylenes are produced primarily as part of the aromatics such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes, which are extracted from the product of catalytic reforming called reformate. The industrial production of xylene involves the methylation of benzene and toluene. Laboratory grade or commercial xylene produced generally constitutes around 40%-65% of meta-xylene and around 20% each of ethylbenzene, ortho-xylene and para-xylene. The ratio of isomers produced can be altered through the trans alkylation of xylene with trimethylbenzene or itself. These processes are catalyzed with zeolites.
Applications
- Manufacturers buy xylene as it is the main precursor to dimethylterephthalate and terephthalic acid, which are the monomers used to synthesis polyester clothing and polyethylene terephthalate plastic bottles.
- Majority of para xylene suppliers supply the chemical to produce these products. Industries buy xylene (ortho), which is used a primary precursor to phthalic anhydride.
- Meta xylene is rarely dealt with as the demand for isophthalic acid relatively different.
- Various industries buy xylene and use it as solvent for industrial applications. Areas of applicationsof solvent xylene include therubber, leather and printingindustries.
- Manufacturers buy xylene as it is an important constituent of adhesives, rubber and ink.
- Buyers from thinning paints and varnishing industries buy xylene, since it can be used in place of toluene. It is also used as a cleaning agent for silicon wafers, integrated circuits and steel.
- Petroleum companies buy xylene, where it is used as constituent of paraffin solvents for unclogging tubes clogged with paraffin wax.
Health and Safety
Xylene is a flammable liquid with moderate toxicity. Inhalation of xylene vapor could lead to the depression of the central nervous system and the symptoms include vomiting, nausea, dizziness and headache. Exposure to moderate levels of xylene could lead to headache and nausea. Where exposure to higher levels could cause vomiting,irritability, weakness,dizzinessand slowed reaction time. The side effects of low-level xylene exposure are reversible.Xylene exposure also causes hearing disorders. It is a skin irritant, which deprives the skin of its oils and makes it more vulnerable to attack by chemicals. Xylene suppliers and manufacturers must use impervious masks, gloves and respirators to avoid health issues caused by xylene exposure.
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