Yudu County, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China sales3@ar-reagent.com 3170906422@qq.com
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Digging Deeper Into Xylenes, Isomers, and Ethylbenzene: The Unfiltered Story

Unpacking the Historical Development

Xylenes and ethylbenzene belong to one of those chemical families that have run through the veins of industry for well over a century. I remember reading about the explosive growth of organic chemistry in the late 1800s, when researchers started separating coal tar and realized the collection of fragments they pulled out would remake industry and pharmaceuticals. Xylenes—three isomers, each with the same chemical formula but different arrangements: ortho, meta, and para—and ethylbenzene, with its subtle structural shift, became workhorses during the chemical revolution. They shifted from being mere curiosities in dirty glass beakers to primary materials for solvents, fuel additives, and, most importantly, the building of the plastics we wrap around everything today. In my experience, the way these molecules slipped quietly into use comes down to one thing: flexibility in reactions and performance. Companies like DuPont and BASF expanded their reach in the early 20th century by leveraging xylenes for polyester and PET production, linking world events like the post-war boom to the rise of synthetic fibers and packaging. The trajectory from simple distillation to large-scale petrochemical plants marks a period where society banked on chemistry, believing that unlocking these hydrocarbons would fast-track progress.

Demystifying Physical and Chemical Properties

Anyone who has ever spent time in a lab or refinery recognizes the distinct, sweet odor of xylenes and their clear, colorless look, often arriving alongside a slight haze if you catch them in the wrong vessel. With boiling points just shy of 140°C and a lower density than water, they float, refusing to mix in the same way old oil always sits on top of rain puddles. Xylenes stand out for their behavior in mixtures; their isomers melt and boil over a range, enabling process engineers to target specific cuts in distillation towers. Ethylbenzene, closely related but just one ethyl group away, carries similar properties, making it hard for a non-chemist to tell them apart outside of the plant or lab. Both classes act as non-polar solvents, dissolving resins and gums, outshining their more volatile cousin, benzene, which fell out of favor for many uses as its toxicity became clear. I’ve seen firsthand the way these chemicals simplify complicated clean-up jobs or dissolve hydrophobic compounds in industrial settings, giving them a rightful spot in the utility drawer of any chemical engineer.

Technical Specifications and Truth in Labeling

Walking through a chemical warehouse, you spot rows of drums marked “Mixed Xylenes” or “Ethylbenzene, 99.9%.” That sticker on the side carries more weight than most realize. Accurate labeling points to years of hard-earned safety lessons: a small shift in the mix of ortho, meta, and para isomers changes downstream outcomes for polyester manufacturing or fuel blending. Unlike old label systems, modern operations must spell out percentages, purity, and relevant contaminants—think sulfur, benzene content, or water traces—to meet national and international standards. In my own encounters, I’ve seen regulatory authorities pull drums off trucks if the technical sheet fails to align with agreed thresholds, since mishandled labels can derail entire batches, compromise worker safety, and complicate regulatory compliance. Clear, honest labeling remains a linchpin, not because of box-ticking but because busy operators need to make snap judgments without playing chemical detective.

How Industry Prepares and Refines Xylenes and Ethylbenzene

Every molecule of xylene or ethylbenzene you’ll find in the marketplace probably began its life as part of a barrel of crude oil or a shovelful of coal. Fractional distillation of petroleum catapults these compounds out of naphtha streams, and a dedicated chemical engineer tunes conditions to maximize separation, depending on whether para, meta, or ortho isomer is in highest demand. Catalytic reforming in oil refineries doesn’t just spin off gasoline; it actively boosts yields of aromatic hydrocarbons, including our subjects here. To pull out specific isomers, techniques like crystallization or adsorption come into play, with manufacturers drawing on decades of incremental improvements. I’ve watched plant operators adjust temperatures and flows to squeeze every last drop of purity without wasting energy, a dance of efficiency and chemistry that keeps costs down and production up. Lab-scale methods seem almost quaint by comparison, but scale changes everything: what works in a 100-milliliter flask must translate to thousands of liters, where spills, leaks, and heat loss carry massive consequences.

Where Chemistry Gets Interesting: Reactions and Modifications

Xylenes lend themselves to more than just sitting in storage; they act as the springboard for whip-smart chemical modifications. Through oxidation, para-xylene morphs into terephthalic acid, a key precursor for PET plastics and synthetic fibers—a clear answer to why some plants burn through massive quantities every week. Alkylation, oxidation, and chlorination all reshape simple aromatics into an array of more complex products. Ethylbenzene, on its own, becomes styrene after dehydrogenation, setting the stage for polystyrene packaging, insulation, and more. These reactions highlight just how much control industry now boasts, and why even small advances—better catalysts, cleaner separation methods—unlock enormous value downstream.

The Mess of Synonyms and Names

In the industry’s day-to-day, confusion creeps in thanks to a fog of synonyms. Walk into any plant and you’ll hear “xylol,” “dimethylbenzene,” or simply “mixed xylenes” thrown around, sometimes in the same sentence. Ethylbenzene slips in with no fewer than a handful of names and code numbers, depending on national registry, supplier, or context. This lexical maze creates headaches outside of standardized labeling and makes a strong case for harmonizing vocabulary across the field. From my desk, I’ve seen communication slip-ups because of simple name swaps, underlining the need for clear and consistent definitions—especially as supply chains globalize.

Keeping the Workplace Safe: Standards that Matter

Reviewing safety data sheets and hearing from process safety managers, the consistent message is that while xylenes and ethylbenzene serve as routine solvents, they also pose real hazards to health and property when mishandled. Strict operational standards keep accidents at bay and workers healthy, including personal protective equipment, explosion-proof equipment, and clear work protocols. These substances vaporize under heat, with vapors that catch fire and aggravate lungs. My time in industry taught me to appreciate locked cabinets and well-ventilated storage—less as red tape and more as lifelines. Regulatory watchdogs demand safe loading systems, gas monitoring, employee health screening, and intervention plans for leaks or spills, a sober reflection of the lessons learned after past industrial disasters.

Fields and Factories: Where Xylenes and Ethylbenzene Make Their Mark

Every time I touch a plastic soda bottle, see the gloss in synthetic paints, or walk by a construction site wrapped in polystyrene insulation, the fingerprints of these chemicals show. Xylenes left their mark as solvents for printing, cleaning, and degreasing. They stepped up as intermediates in producing expansive coatings and rubber goods for automotive and aerospace. Ethylbenzene claims a starring role as the foundation for styrene, without which everyday items like foam, electronics cases, and lightweight packaging would cost more or disappear. Pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and explosives each draw on the reactivity and solvency of this class—making the larger point that industrial chemistry rarely relies on just one substance. Instead, an evolving toolkit underwrites both foundational and advanced materials, always subject to changing regulation and public opinion.

R&D and the Future Horizon

Conversations with colleagues in research reflect a mix of long-standing applications and restless innovation. Labs explore new catalysts that use less energy or minimize side-reactions, pushing production efficiency. Green chemistry emerges as a real goal, with researchers redesigning processes to reduce waste emissions and cut toxic byproducts. Alternative feedstocks, maybe sourced from bio-based materials, have gained traction as oil prices and environmental mandates shift the ground beneath the petrochemical sector. Companies pour millions into pilot plants to prove these greener syntheses, driven not only by regulatory requirements but the prospect of winning new customers. For young chemists entering the workforce, research provides a gateway to inventing tomorrow’s methods—methods likely to find a home in industries hungry for less polluting, more sustainable ways to make familiar products.

Health and Toxicity: Hard Lessons and Real Risks

Health researchers and industrial hygienists do not gloss over toxicity concerns. Xylenes and ethylbenzene, despite everyday utility, carry known risks: short-term exposure irritates mucous membranes, longer-term inhalation links to headaches and, in rare cases, neurologic dysfunction. Regulatory agencies like OSHA and NIOSH set stringent exposure limits, with European and Asian counterparts often adopting similar lines in the sand. Industry response goes beyond minimum compliance—ventilation, regular air monitoring, and comprehensive worker education play out daily in plants and testing labs. Animal studies indicate the potential for organ-specific toxicity at high doses, which drives ongoing toxicological work. Experience teaches that vigilance is never optional; every near-miss or minor incident demands immediate attention, because complacency plants seeds for disaster. Sharing information—across companies, countries, and research groups—serves as an important bulwark against repeating the health tragedies that shadowed other industrial chemicals.

Looking Forward: Prospects in a Changing World

Future prospects for xylenes, their isomers, and ethylbenzene do not rest solely on expanding traditional uses or pumping out more plastics. The real challenge lies in adapting old infrastructures to changing social and environmental priorities. Global policymakers press for reduced emissions from both production and use, causing chemical companies to invest in closed-loop systems and improved waste management. Electrification, circular economy principles, and stringent carbon targets force a reckoning that cannot be solved by incremental tweaks alone. From the trade war disruptions of the last decade to the leap in preference for biodegradable materials, the road ahead looks neither smooth nor certain. Those in industry and research who listen, adapt, and innovate stand a chance at keeping these core chemicals part of manufacturing while reducing their footprint—a task as important as technological breakthroughs of previous generations.




What are the primary uses of Xylenes, Isomers Plus Ethylbenzene?

A Look Inside the Paint Can

Renovating homes, a fresh coat of paint often marks new beginnings. Most people don’t glance at the ingredient list, but behind the color sits something quite powerful: xylenes. Xylenes dissolve many different substances that go into varnishes, enamels, and stains. Without them, painters would wrestle with clogged sprayer tips and uneven surfaces. Manufacturers prefer xylenes over older solvents because they cut through greases and residues without eating away at the brush bristles or thinning out too quickly. This gives pros and DIYers more time to work with a smoother, more controlled finish.

Printing Presses and Ink That Stays Put

I once worked in a print shop, and stacks of shiny magazines rolled off the press. The odor in the room often came from solvents, including xylenes, which keep the ink fluid. They evaporate at just the right pace for the ink to stick, but not smudge. Big publishers count on that reliability for mass production. Ethylbenzene appears in this industry too, helping balance the drying time, making sure every print looks identical to the last.

Automotive Grit

Carmakers use xylenes and ethylbenzene to produce rubber and synthetic materials. Car interiors—those soft steering wheels and flexible dashboards—require plastics that stay tough in the sun and withstand years of sweaty hands and spilled coffee. The plastics industry relies on xylenes and ethylbenzene to coax raw chemicals into these durable materials. Tires—often overlooked—depend on their role in crafting synthetic rubber, bringing more grip for the road and better fuel efficiency.

Fueling Plastics Production

Step into any store and nearly everything you see—water bottles, food containers, packaging materials—has some tie to the plastic PET (polyethylene terephthalate). The most important building block for PET is purified terephthalic acid, made by oxidizing para-xylene, a type of xylene. Without these chemicals, producing affordable plastics at today’s scale would grind to a halt. Ethylbenzene, meanwhile, mostly heads into the production of styrene—think Styrofoam, insulation, and even the outer shells for electronics.

Safety and the Search for Cleaner Alternatives

People sometimes worry about the fumes in paints and cleaning products. Working around xylenes and ethylbenzene often calls for proper ventilation or even masks to shield workers from the effects of high exposure. Researchers in my network focus on greener alternatives, like water-based solvents or bio-based mixtures. Some companies invest in scrubbers and better training, lowering workplace risks. Cleaner alternatives face a tough battle—low cost and high performance keep xylenes and ethylbenzene in high demand—but growing eco pressure promises more innovation on this front.

Everyday Uses Hide in Plain Sight

Hospitals, too, use xylenes in labs for preparing tissue samples. Furniture refinishers rely on them to strip away tough old coatings. Even in artists’ studios, xylenes pop up in specialty markers and fixatives. These seemingly invisible chemicals drive industries we use every day but rarely stop to consider. Staying informed on both their uses and potential alternatives matters—not just for today’s convenience, but for a safer, cleaner tomorrow.

What safety precautions should be taken when handling this product?

Why Safety Isn't Optional

No one wakes up thinking today is the day they're headed for the hospital with a chemical burn. Yet, every year, the U.S. Poison Control Centers get over two million calls about exposures to potentially dangerous substances. I’ve seen firsthand how a moment’s distraction around something as basic as bleach can end with a trip to urgent care. Saying “I know what I’m doing” won’t save skin or lungs from a strong acid or a splatter of solvent.

Product safety information isn’t just for lawyers and fine print. This stuff matters. In one recent report from OSHA, nearly 190,000 cases of eye injuries each year link directly to not using protective gear on the job—and that doesn’t count what happens in the garage or the kitchen. It’s hard to unlearn the lesson after caustic soda jumps into your eye or your lungs start burning from inhaling ammonia. It only takes a single exposure to make you rethink everything you thought you knew about safe handling.

What Real Safety Looks Like

Reading the label comes first, but almost everybody skips that step because it seems obvious or because “I’ve used this a hundred times before.” Companies print instructions for a reason. If the product’s label calls for gloves, that’s not just a gentle suggestion. Thin cotton won’t cut it for strong cleaners, acids, or pesticides. Nitrile or neoprene gloves keep chemicals off your skin. Disposable gloves don’t belong in this game—once chemicals soak through, the gloves just hold the danger against your hands.

Once, I tried mixing drain cleaner in a small bathroom—twenty minutes later, my head throbbed from the fumes. If you can smell something strong, move to a roomy, well-ventilated space or use a fan to push those vapors out. Spills happen fast and surprise you every time. Lining the work area with newspaper or a solvent-resistant mat won’t win any beauty awards, but it handles small drips better than a bath towel.

Protecting Eyes and Lungs

Standard eyeglasses don’t count as eye protection. Plenty of hardware stores carry safety goggles—some even have anti-fog coatings for people who hate steamy lenses. After watching a friend wrestle with a splash of swimming pool acid, I can’t say enough about real eye protection. Same for masks: a disposable dust mask won’t protect from solvent vapors or toxic dust. Shop for one that carries a NIOSH approval number and matches the hazards you expect—no single mask blocks everything.

Sometimes you work with powder or spray that likes to get everywhere. Loose clothing or an open collar gives a direct route to skin. I’ve ended up with rashes and mysterious burns from small mistakes. Cover up with long sleeves, pants, and closed shoes, even if it feels like overkill for ten minutes of work.

Clean-Up and Emergency Plans

No job ends when you put the cap back on the container. Wash hands with lots of soap and water, not just a wet wipe. Double-check for spills, and throw used gloves or contaminated materials in a sealed bag—not the regular trash. If something splashes, rinse skin or eyes under running water for fifteen minutes, because every second helps. Keeping the poison control number handy beats frantic internet searches in a moment of panic.

Safety demands more than a quick glance at a checklist. It takes reading, prepping, and respect for what’s inside the bottle. Mistakes don’t hit only people who “don’t know better”—they catch anyone who decides to rush or cut corners. Life’s too short for shortcuts that land you in the emergency room.

What is the chemical composition of Xylenes, Isomers Plus Ethylbenzene?

What’s in a Name?

Anyone working in paints, plastics, or fuel probably heard of xylenes and ethylbenzene. These aren’t just industrial chemicals—they’re part of daily life, woven into products I’ve brushed up against over the years. Look at them under a microscope, and the science becomes both simple and clever.

Xylenes: A Trio with One Formula

Xylenes share a single formula, C8H10. Break that down, and you get eight carbon atoms and ten hydrogens. The twist comes in how the pieces fit together. There are three forms, or isomers: ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, and para-xylene. Each isomer holds two methyl groups joined to a benzene ring, but their positions shift. For example, ortho-xylene keeps its methyls side by side, meta spreads them with one ring carbon between, and para plants them across from each other. Chemistry gets personal when even a tiny change in shape affects boiling point and how the molecules behave in factories and the environment.

Ethylbenzene: The Sidekick Ingredient

Ethylbenzene stands a little apart yet stays close in company. Its formula, C8H10, matches the xylenes in atom count, though its structure keeps one ethyl group (that’s two carbons) on benzene instead of two methyl groups. I see ethylbenzene show up most in the making of styrene plastics and as a solvent. Industrial blends treat ethylbenzene and xylene isomers almost as siblings—produced together and often separated only for specific applications.

Why Does This Matter?

Some may shrug at these small differences, but I’ve seen how they tip the scale—both in how these chemicals work and in the impact they carry. Today, xylene blends hit the shelves under labels like “mixed xylenes,” with ethylbenzene often part of the mix. Refining these mixes means controlling composition carefully, since para-xylene, for instance, is vital for plastics like PET bottles. Ortho-xylene heads to phthalic anhydride, which shapes everything from vinyl flooring to shoes. Ethylbenzene fuels the styrene world, and styrene builds the foam in coffee cups and insulation boards. That’s serious connectivity for a few molecules.

Real-World Challenges

Handling and producing these chemicals comes with risks. I’ve worked in labs measuring air quality around refineries, and xylene vapors rarely go unnoticed. Even small spills can evaporate fast and carry risks if not ventilated out or contained. Ethylbenzene has its own health watchlists, showing up in regulatory tables across continents.

The truth is, production can’t just speed along without care for workers, air, and groundwater. Simple protective gear works wonders. Engineering controls like closed systems and scrubbing stacks make a difference—something I wish I’d seen more where I started out. Most companies now put extra eyes on air monitoring and spill response training. Regulatory oversight can nudge this culture in the right direction, but it’s on all of us to keep improvements going.

Looking Ahead

Demand for xylene and ethylbenzene stays high as long as people want plastic, paint, and fuel. Switching to greener solvents or boosting recycling tech will take pressure off raw production, but for now, the focus lands on safer chemistry and better air quality. Understanding those three xylene isomers and their ethylbenzene cousin forms the backbone of safer workplaces and better choices in manufacturing. For those working with or around these chemicals, knowledge keeps the risks in check and the gears turning.

How should Xylenes, Isomers Plus Ethylbenzene be stored and transported?

Understanding the Challenge

Most people outside chemical plants probably never see the words “xylenes, isomers plus ethylbenzene” except on train cars rolling through town or in regulatory filings. Yet, these chemicals play a major role in making the stuff we rely on every day, from plastics to paints. I once visited a mid-sized storage depot where they handled these hydrocarbons around the clock. What stuck with me wasn’t just the strong, sweet smell. It was the tension between speed—how quickly operators wanted to move product—and how much attention went into making sure nothing went wrong.

Risks Everyone Needs to Know

Xylenes and ethylbenzene bring clear risks. Both catch fire more easily than you might expect. They’re toxic if inhaled too long. Direct skin contact is risky, too. At that depot, the safety manager told me they hadn’t had a serious incident in years. But he and his team drilled on spills and leaks every month, because even a single mistake invites disaster.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, short-term exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, and even loss of muscle control. Longer exposure raises cancer concerns. In the worst case, a flash fire from a leaking tank could put lives at risk and contaminate ground or water supplies. Safety matters because workers and nearby communities share those risks.

How Smart Storage Works

Metal tanks, usually made of carbon steel, keep xylenes and ethylbenzene isolated from the outside world. Every good facility has these tanks grounded to prevent static electricity, and each tank sits behind a containment wall designed to keep chemicals from escaping in case of a breach. Temperature plays a big role, too. Even a mildly warm day can raise pressure inside sealed containers. At the depot, a dedicated operator kept an eye on temperature and vapor pressure gauges, and they linked the alarms straight to the night shift manager’s phone.

Ventilation can’t be ignored either. Properly vented tanks stop vapors from building up to explosive levels. For smaller amounts, drums with solid lids and gaskets do the job, but only if they stay in cool, shaded areas.

How Chemicals Move Safely

Transport often brings the biggest risks. Trucks, trains, and barges carry the chemicals across hundreds of miles, often closer to big population centers than most people realize. I remember one old-timer truck driver who double-checked every valve, not because rules said so, but because he knew past spills that happened when someone got careless. His sense of responsibility kept everyone safer than policy alone.

Regulations require special tank cars and trucks. High-quality gaskets and fittings resist corrosion. Operators check seals every time they load or unload. Signage on each container makes clear what’s inside, not just for hazmat teams in case of an accident, but for local fire departments, too. If anyone cuts corners, it catches up with them—often at the worst possible time.

Better Solutions for Safer Handling

Training beats technology if you’re forced to choose. I’ve seen companies invest thousands in upgraded valves, but success usually comes down to the skills and habits of people on the job. Regular refreshers and honest drills keep workers sharp. Companies who bring in third-party audits tend to learn where blind spots lurk before trouble finds them.

Community awareness makes a difference, too. Some facilities hold open houses or safety awareness days. This doesn’t just calm nerves—it keeps pressure on companies and regulators alike to maintain high standards.

Safe storage and transportation of xylenes and ethylbenzene isn’t only a technical issue or a bureaucratic checkbox. The people who do it well treat it as an ongoing practice—one built on experience, facts, and the clear understanding that the stakes are always high.

What are the potential health hazards associated with exposure to this product?

Everyday Risks Deserve Closer Attention

Americans spend lots of time worrying about large-scale threats but often overlook dangers tucked quietly in common products. Over years covering consumer safety, I've seen how tiny labels carry heavy warnings, yet the message rarely breaks through the clamor of the daily routine. Product exposure—whether through skin, lungs, or food—shapes health in lasting ways.

Skin Contact and Long-term Effects

Products carry dozens of chemicals, from cleaning sprays to garden treatments. Contact with certain substances can spark rashes, peeling, or chronic irritation. Many people, myself included, have shrugged off an itchy patch, not realizing those early signs can lead to worse problems if the exposure continues. Dermatologists see cases of eczema, allergic reactions, and chemical burns linked to everyday goods. Formaldehyde, parabens, and fragrances in cosmetics or cleaners present real risks—studies tie them to hormone disruption and, in some cases, to increased cancer risk. There’s nothing abstract about missing time at work or school, all because of a reaction to a basic household product.

Breathing Troubles and Allergic Reactions

Aerosol sprays, solvents, and pesticides waft through homes and yards, putting lungs in harm’s way. Airborne particles settle deep in the bronchi, where they quietly trigger asthma, chronic coughing, or sinus inflammation. I’ve spent afternoons in homes and schools where the smell of cleaning products lingers long after application; lingering fumes can mean a higher chance for breathing problems, especially for children and older adults. Benzene and toluene—found in several solvents—damage blood cells and, over time, harm bone marrow. This is not fearmongering; the American Lung Association confirms that respiratory dangers from chemicals in the air threaten millions every year.

Environmental Pathways Create Additional Risks

Products don’t just affect those who handle them directly. When they wash down drains or seep into the ground, they drift into water systems and wildlife. Endocrine disruptors and heavy metals accumulate in the food chain, contaminating fish, crops, and eventually, dinner plates. I’ve met people living in areas with elevated levels of persistent organic pollutants, and the community often faces a spike in liver or kidney problems, even developmental issues in kids. Unsafe chemical disposal gets shrugged off, but the World Health Organization repeatedly states that environmental exposure presents real, ongoing threats.

Empowering Safer Choices and Demanding Change

No one can dodge all risks, but we can demand better labeling, more transparent ingredients, and smarter regulation. As a parent and neighbor, I check labels and ask questions—not because I expect danger everywhere, but because prevention starts at home. Seeking products with clear ingredient lists, favoring those backed by respected safety boards, and supporting companies that fully disclose testing methods matter. Community education—starting with honest conversations and extending to schools or workplaces—puts power back in the hands of real people.

Stronger Oversight and Public Involvement

Pressure from consumers makes a difference. When shoppers insist on safer formulations, companies and lawmakers respond. Data from consumer groups like the Environmental Working Group show that public campaigns lead brands to phase out known carcinogens and allergens. Local and federal regulations must catch up, closing loopholes and making health a non-negotiable priority. There’s no shame in reading the label twice or joining forces for a healthier home, school, or neighborhood. A little information, shared widely, shakes loose change that matters for everyone’s well-being.

Xylenes, Isomers Plus Ethylbenzene
Names
Preferred IUPAC name methylbenzene
Other names Benzene, dimethyl-
Dimethylbenzene
Methyltoluene
Xylol
Pronunciation /ˈzaɪliːnz ɪˈsɒməz plʌs ˌiːθɪlˈbɛnziːn/
Identifiers
CAS Number 1330-20-7
Beilstein Reference 636063
ChEBI CHEBI:27338
ChEMBL CHEMBL15828
ChemSpider 7289
DrugBank DB11115
ECHA InfoCard 03-2119489371-36-XXXX
EC Number 215-535-7
Gmelin Reference 137012
KEGG C01781
MeSH D022184
PubChem CID 7900
RTECS number ZE2100000
UNII F862DFT2L7
UN number UN1307
Properties
Chemical formula C8H10
Molar mass 106.17 g/mol
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid
Odor Aromatic.
Density 0.87 g/cm3
Solubility in water insoluble
log P 3.6
Vapor pressure 6.7 mmHg (20°C)
Acidity (pKa) 37.85
Basicity (pKb) 8.77
Magnetic susceptibility (χ) -7.05 × 10⁻⁹
Refractive index (nD) 1.495
Viscosity 0.65 mPa·s (25 °C)
Dipole moment 0.37 D
Thermochemistry
Std molar entropy (S⦵298) 341.2 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) +12.7 kJ/mol
Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) -4562.0 kJ/mol
Pharmacology
ATC code V03AB05
Hazards
GHS labelling **"GHS02, GHS07, GHS08"**
Pictograms GHS02,GHS07,GHS08
Signal word Danger
Hazard statements H226, H304, H312, H315, H319, H332, H335
Precautionary statements H225, H304, H312, H315, H319, H332, H335, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P271, P280, P301+P310, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P331, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P235, P405, P501
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) 3-2-0
Flash point 25°C (77°F)
Autoignition temperature 530°C (986°F)
Explosive limits Lower: 1.0% Upper: 7.0%
Lethal dose or concentration LD50 oral rat 4300 mg/kg
LD50 (median dose) LD50 (median dose) of Xylenes, Isomers Plus Ethylbenzene: 4300 mg/kg (oral, rat)
NIOSH XY4725000
PEL (Permissible) 100 ppm (parts per million)
REL (Recommended) 100 mg/m3
IDLH (Immediate danger) 900 ppm
Related compounds
Related compounds p-Xylene
o-Xylene
m-Xylene
Ethylbenzene
Benzene