Combustion of Xylene

C₈H₁₀ + 10.5O₂ → 8CO₂ + 5H₂O

Overview

Xylene (dimethylbenzene) burns with a smoky yellow flame. Xylene exists as three isomers (ortho, meta, para), all with similar combustion properties. It is a major component of paint thinner and an important industrial solvent.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Reactant	Xylene C₈H₁₀	1	(l)
Reactant	Oxygen O	10	(g)
Product	Water H₂O	5	(l)
Product	Carbon Dioxide CO₂	8	(g)

Everyday Example

Xylene is a common solvent in paint thinners and some cleaning products. It has a sweet smell but is harmful to inhale.

Industrial Importance

Para-xylene is oxidized to terephthalic acid, the precursor for PET plastic (water bottles and polyester fabric). Over 60 million tonnes of xylene are produced annually.

Properties

Type: Combustion
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -4553.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Combustion of Acetylene Combustion of Benzene Combustion of Butane Combustion of Carbon Monoxide Combustion of Cyclohexane Combustion of Ethane Combustion of Ethanol Combustion of Ethylene Combustion of Glucose (Cellular Respiration) Combustion of Glycerol

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Combustion of Xylene?

The balanced equation is: C₈H₁₀ + 10.5O₂ → 8CO₂ + 5H₂O.

What type of reaction is Combustion of Xylene?

Combustion of Xylene is a combustion reaction.

Is Combustion of Xylene exothermic or endothermic?

Combustion of Xylene is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -4553.0 kJ/mol.