Xylene

C₈H₁₀

IUPAC: Dimethylbenzene

CAS: 1330-20-7

Overview

Xylene is a mixture of three isomers (ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene) that is one of the top 30 chemicals produced in the United States. Para-xylene is the most valuable isomer, used to make PET plastic. Xylene is also a common solvent and gasoline component.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 10 1.0080
Carbon C 8 12.0110

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×10
9.5%
C
Carbon ×8
90.5%

Uses

  • • PET plastic production (via terephthalic acid)
  • • Solvent in paint and rubber
  • • Histology tissue processing
  • • Gasoline blending

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Para-xylene is the starting material for all PET plastic bottles

Safety

  • ⚠ CNS depressant
  • ⚠ Flammable
  • ⚠ Chronic exposure affects liver and kidneys
  • ⚠ Reproductive toxin

Properties

Type
organic
State
liquid
Molar Mass
106.17 g/mol
Density
0.8640 g/cm³
Melting Point
-47.4 °C
Boiling Point
138.4 °C
Solubility
0.106 g/L at 20°C

Also Known As

Xylol

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Xylene?
Xylene (C₈H₁₀) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name Dimethylbenzene.
What is the molecular weight of Xylene?
Xylene has a molar mass of 106.168 g/mol.
What state is Xylene at room temperature?
Xylene is a liquid at room temperature.
Is Xylene organic or inorganic?
Xylene is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Xylene?
Xylene (C₈H₁₀) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C).