Eleanor Finch
Xylene, also known as dimethylbenzene, is a chemical compound with three types of isomers: ortho- ,
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Constitutional Isomers | 3 |
| Names of Isomers | Ortho-xylene, Meta-xylene, Para-xylene |
| Synonyms | o-Xylene, m-Xylene, p-Xylene |
| Molecular Formula | C6H4(CH3)2 |
| Odor | Sweet, aromatic |
| Odor Detectable at | 0.08 to 3.7 ppm |
| Odor Tasted in Water at | 0.53 to 1.8 ppm |
| Density | 0.87 g/mL |
| Melting Point Range | −47.87 °C to 13.26 °C |
| Boiling Point | 140 °C |
| Flash Point | 81-115 °F |
| Flammability | Highly Flammable |
| Solubility in Water | Moderately Soluble |
| Uses | Solvent, Precursor to Phthalic Anhydride, Terephthalic Acid, Dimethyl Terephthalate, and Isophthalic Acid Derivatives |
| Hazards | Toxic by Ingestion, Flammable, Narcotic in High Concentrations, Fire Hazard |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Xylene isomers are ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, and para-xylene
- They are produced by methylation of toluene and benzene
- Xylene is used as a solvent in printing, rubber, and leather industries
- Xylene is toxic by ingestion and can be tasted in water at 0.53 to 1.8 ppm
- Ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, and para-xylene have four, five, and three unique carbon environments, respectively
Xylene isomers are ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, and para-xylene
Xylene, or xylol, is any one of three organic compounds with the formula (CH3)2C6H4. They are derived from the substitution of two hydrogen atoms with methyl groups in a benzene ring. The position of the substituted hydrogens determines which of the three structural isomers, or xylene isomers, results. These isomers are ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, and para-xylene.
Ortho-xylene, or 1,2-xylene, has four unique carbon environments. It is used as a precursor to phthalate esters, which are used as plasticizers. It is also an important precursor to phthalic anhydride.
Meta-xylene, or 1,3-xylene, has five unique carbon environments. It is converted to isophthalic acid derivatives, which are components of alkyd resins. The demand for isophthalic acid is relatively modest, so meta-xylene is rarely sought.
Para-xylene, or 1,4-xylene, has three unique carbon environments. It has the highest melting point of the three isomers due to its more efficient packing in the crystal structure. It is converted to terephthalic acid and is consumed in large quantities in this manner.
The physical properties of the xylene isomers differ slightly. The melting point ranges from −47.87 °C (−54.17 °F) for meta-xylene to 13.26 °C (55.87 °F) for para-xylene. The boiling point for each isomer is around 140 °C (284 °F), and the density of each isomer is approximately 0.87 g/mL. The odor of xylene is detectable at concentrations as low as 0.08 to 3.7 ppm, and it can be tasted in water at 0.53 to 1.8 ppm.
The Constitution's Democratic Roots Explored
You may want to see also
They are produced by methylation of toluene and benzene
Xylene is produced by the methylation of toluene and benzene. It is a colourless, flammable, slightly greasy liquid of great industrial value. The mixture is referred to as both xylene and xylenes. The four compounds have the identical molecular formula C8H10.
Xylene has three isomers: ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, and para-xylene. These isomers are derived from the substitution of two hydrogen atoms with methyl groups in a benzene ring. The specific hydrogens substituted determine which of the three structural isomers results. The physical properties of the isomers differ slightly. For example, the melting point ranges from −47.87 °C for m-xylene to 13.26 °C for p-xylene. The boiling point for each isomer is around 140 °C.
Xylenes are used as a solvent in printing, rubber, and leather industries. They are also used in thinning paints and varnishes, as a cleaning agent, in endodontics, and as a component of paraffin solvents. Xylene is also used in the laboratory as a cooling agent and as a solvent.
Xylene isomers are major components of gasoline and are used extensively as solvents and feedstocks by the chemical industry. They are produced mainly as part of the BTX aromatics (benzene, toluene, and xylenes) extracted from catalytic reforming. They also occur in crude oil in concentrations of about 0.5–1%, depending on the source.
Philosophers' Influence on the American Constitution
You may want to see also
Xylene is used as a solvent in printing, rubber, and leather industries
Xylene is a colourless, flammable, slightly greasy liquid with a sweet smell. It is an aromatic hydrocarbon that exists in three isomeric forms: ortho- (also known as 1,2-Xylene), meta- (also known as 1,3-Xylene), and para-xylene (also known as 1,4-Xylene). It is widely used as a solvent in the printing, rubber, and leather industries. Its high solvency factor makes it ideal for these applications.
In the printing industry, xylene is used as a solvent for inks and other printing materials. It helps to dissolve and break down the inks, making them easier to work with and apply to various surfaces. Xylene's ability to dissolve other substances also makes it useful in the rubber industry. It can be used to dissolve rubber compounds, facilitating the processing and manipulation of rubber products.
In the leather industry, xylene is employed as a solvent during the tanning and finishing processes. It helps to remove impurities and excess tannins from the leather, giving it a smoother and more supple finish. Xylene's solvent properties also make it useful for cleaning and preparing leather surfaces before further treatment or dyeing.
Xylene is also used in other industries, such as paint and coatings, where it serves as a solvent for resins and pigments. In the medical field, xylene is utilised in histological laboratories for tissue processing, staining, and cover slipping. Additionally, it finds application in endodontic retreatment as a guttapercha solvent.
While xylene has valuable industrial applications, it is important to handle it with caution. Xylene is a known skin irritant and can strip the skin of its natural protective oils, making it more susceptible to other chemicals. Prolonged exposure to xylene can lead to health issues, including headaches, irritability, and in extreme cases, a condition called organic solvent syndrome. Therefore, adequate protection, such as impervious gloves and masks, is recommended when working with xylene to prevent occupational health hazards.
Capital Punishment: Cruel, Unusual, or Both?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Xylene is toxic by ingestion and can be tasted in water at 0.53 to 1.8 ppm
Xylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon, a colourless, sweet-smelling liquid or gas that occurs naturally in petroleum, coal and wood tar. It is widely used in industry and medical technology as a solvent and in tissue processing, staining and cover slipping in histology laboratories.
In the event of ingestion, the exposed individual should be given several glasses of water to drink. They should also be made to vomit if they are conscious. Medical assistance should be sought immediately. Xylene can be detected in the breath, venous blood and urine of exposed individuals. Urinary levels of methylhippuric acid, a metabolite of xylene, correlate better with airborne xylene concentrations than blood or breath concentrations.
Xylene can leak into the soil, surface water or groundwater from leaking underground storage tanks containing petroleum products. It can remain in these environments for months or more before breaking down into other chemicals. However, as it evaporates easily, most of it goes into the air and is broken down by sunlight into less harmful chemicals.
Xylene is also found in small quantities in gasoline and airplane fuels, constituting about 0.5-1% of crude oil.
The US Constitution: Liberty's Legal Definition
You may want to see also
Ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, and para-xylene have four, five, and three unique carbon environments, respectively
Xylene, an important petrochemical, has three isomers: ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, and para-xylene. These isomers are commonly referred to as mixed xylene when used in industrial settings. While the individual isomers have distinct applications, the mixed isomer is used as a solvent in the printing, rubber, and leather industries.
Ortho-xylene, or 1,2-dimethylbenzene, has four unique carbon environments. It is a precursor to phthalate esters, which are used as plasticizers. It is also an important precursor to phthalic anhydride.
Meta-xylene, or 1,3-dimethylbenzene, has five unique carbon environments. It is converted to isophthalic acid derivatives, which are components of alkyd resins.
Para-xylene, or 1,4-dimethylbenzene, has three unique carbon environments. It is the principal precursor to terephthalic acid and dimethyl terephthalate, which are monomers used in the production of PET plastic bottles and polyester clothing. The demand for para-xylene is high, as it is consumed in large quantities for these applications.
Virginia Colony: Forerunner of US Constitution
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are three constitutional isomers of xylene: ortho--, meta--, and para-xylene.
The molecular formula of xylene is C6H4(CH3)2.
The common names for the xylene isomers are m-xylene, o-xylene, and p-xylene.
The melting point of xylene isomers ranges from −47.87 °C (−54.17 °F) for m-xylene to 13.26 °C (55.87 °F) for p-xylene. The boiling point for each isomer is around 140 °C (284 °F).
Xylene isomers have various applications. For example, p-xylene is used to make terephthalic acid and dimethyl terephthalate, which are monomers for PET plastic bottles and polyester clothing. o-Xylene is used to make phthalate esters, which are plasticizers. In addition, xylene isomers are used as solvents in industries such as printing, rubber, and leather.
