Xylene 99.9% Industrial Solvent: Applications & Buyer's Guide
September 30, 2026 · Product Guide
Basic information
| Item | Value |
| Product name | Xylene |
| Synonyms | Dimethylbenzene, xylol, mixed xylenes |
| CAS number | 1330-20-7 |
| Molecular formula | C8H10 (C6H4(CH3)2) |
| Molecular weight | 106.17 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless clear liquid |
| Assay / Purity | 99.90% (typical commercial grade) |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; miscible with ethanol, ether, acetone, benzene |
| Packaging | 180 kg/drum |
| HS code | 2902.44.00 |
| Storage | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources |
| Main uses | Solvent for coatings, inks, adhesives, rubber; feedstock for petrochemicals |
| Boiling point | 138–144 °C |
| Flash point | 25–30 °C (closed cup) |
1. Overview
Xylene is a volatile aromatic hydrocarbon and a solvent that occurs as a mixture of three isomers—ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene—along with ethylbenzene. With a typical assay of 99.90%, it is a high-purity industrial solvent. Its solvency for resins, oils, fats, and rubber makes it indispensable in coatings, printing inks, adhesives, and leather processing. It also serves as a chemical intermediate for terephthalic acid (PET) and phthalic anhydride (plasticizers, alkyd resins).
Because of its moderate evaporation rate and strong solvency, xylene is often preferred over toluene or acetone in applications requiring a balance of drying speed and film formation. It is supplied in 180 kg drums and bulk, and is subject to VOC regulations in many regions. This guide provides technical data and application insights for industrial buyers and process engineers.
2. Manufacturing and supply
Xylene is produced primarily through catalytic reforming of naphtha in petroleum refineries, followed by fractional distillation and solvent extraction. It can also be obtained from coal tar distillation or by toluene disproportionation. The commercial product is a mixed xylenes stream, typically containing about 40–45% m-xylene, 20% each of o- and p-xylene, and 10–15% ethylbenzene. For high-purity (99.90%) grades, additional distillation and adsorption steps may be used. Supply is global, with major production hubs in Asia, North America, and the Middle East. Standard packaging is 180 kg drums, with bulk shipments in ISO tanks or road tankers.
3. How it works
- Solvency: Xylene is a non-polar aromatic hydrocarbon with a Kauri-butanol value of about 98. It dissolves alkyd, epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic, and rubber resins by disrupting intermolecular forces.
- Azeotrope formation: It forms azeotropes with water, ethanol, and butanol, which aids in water displacement and drying in coatings and inks.
- Evaporation rate: With a relative evaporation rate (n-butyl acetate = 1) of about 0.6–0.8, it provides slower drying than acetone or ethyl acetate, reducing orange peel and blushing in films.
- Reactivity: The aromatic ring can undergo electrophilic substitution (e.g., nitration, sulfonation) and side-chain oxidation, making it a versatile chemical intermediate.
- Flammability: It is a Class 3 flammable liquid with a flash point around 25–30 °C, requiring explosion-proof equipment and grounding.
4. Application areas in detail
Paints and coatings
Xylene is a primary solvent in architectural coatings, automotive refinish paints, industrial maintenance coatings, and wood lacquers. It dissolves alkyd and polyurethane resins, epoxy esters, and acrylic polymers. In 2K polyurethane systems, it adjusts viscosity and flow, while in epoxy coatings it improves substrate wetting. Typical end products include metal primers, topcoats, varnishes, and anti-corrosion paints for bridges, pipelines, and marine vessels.
Printing inks
In gravure and flexographic printing, xylene is used as a solvent for ink resins such as polyamide, nitrocellulose, and polyurethane. It provides fast drying and good pigment wetting for publication printing inks, packaging inks, and decorative laminates. It is also found in screen printing inks and inkjet formulations. The moderate evaporation rate helps prevent dot gain and screening defects.
Adhesives and sealants
Xylene is a key solvent in contact adhesives based on neoprene (chloroprene) and polyurethane. It dissolves rubber and resins to create tacky films for lamination, footwear, and automotive trim. In sealants, it adjusts open time and penetration into substrates like concrete and metals. It is also used in spray adhesives for foam and fabric bonding.
Rubber and leather processing
In rubber compounding, xylene acts as a solvent for rubber cements used in tire cord dipping, belt splicing, and hose repair. For leather, it is a finishing solvent in top coats, base coats, and impregnation formulations, providing leveling and adhesion to polyurethane and acrylic finishes. It also helps in degreasing hides and cleaning equipment.
Petrochemical intermediates
Xylene is a feedstock for terephthalic acid (via p-xylene oxidation), which is polymerized into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for bottles, films, and fibers. It is also a precursor to phthalic anhydride (from o-xylene), used in plasticizers, alkyd resins, and unsaturated polyesters. Isophthalic acid (from m-xylene) is used in coatings and composites. These derivatives represent a large share of global xylene demand.
Laboratory and specialty uses
In histology, xylene is a clearing agent for tissue processing and microtomy. It is used as a solvent in HPLC and GC analysis, and in liquid scintillation counting. Other uses include pesticide formulations, perfume extraction, and cleaning of optical and electronic components. Its high purity (99.90%) ensures reproducible results in analytical workflows.
5. Comparison with alternatives
| Alternative | Key difference | Practical implication |
| Toluene | Lower boiling point (~111 °C), faster evaporation, similar solvency | Faster drying but higher VOC and stronger odor; may cause blushing in humid conditions. |
| Acetone | Very fast evaporation, polar, poor for aromatic resins | Excellent for lacquers but poor for alkyds; can cause solvent pop and poor flow. |
| Ethyl acetate | Fast evaporation, mild odor, low toxicity | Good for flexible packaging inks but limited solvency for heavy resins. |
| Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) | Faster evaporation, strong solvency for PVC and nitrocellulose | More aggressive on plastics; higher cost and stricter regulation. |
| White spirit (mineral spirits) | Slower evaporation, weaker solvency, less aromatic | Safer for brush application but requires longer drying and may not dissolve some resins. |
| Benzene | Similar solvency but known carcinogen | Avoid in most industrial uses due to severe health regulations. |
Xylene is preferred when a balance of strong solvency, moderate evaporation rate, and cost-effectiveness is needed, especially in coatings, adhesives, and petrochemical feedstocks. It is not ideal for applications requiring very fast drying or waterborne compatibility.
6. Handling, storage and compliance
Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Use explosion-proof equipment and grounding during transfer. PPE includes nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and organic vapor respirators (if ventilation is inadequate). Xylene is a UN 1307, Class 3 flammable liquid, Packing Group III. It is regulated as a VOC under US EPA and EU REACH; comply with local emission limits. Avoid release to water and soil; dispose of as hazardous waste.
FAQ
Q1. What is xylene used for? Xylene is primarily used as a solvent in coatings, printing inks, adhesives, and rubber processing. It also serves as a feedstock for terephthalic acid and phthalic anhydride in the petrochemical industry.
Q2. Is xylene the same as xylol? Yes, xylol is a common synonym for xylene, referring to dimethylbenzene isomers. Both terms describe the same aromatic hydrocarbon mixture.
Q3. What is the CAS number for xylene? The CAS number for mixed xylenes is 1330-20-7. Individual isomers have distinct CAS numbers: o-xylene (95-47-6), m-xylene (108-38-3), and p-xylene (106-42-3).
Q4. What is the difference between xylene and toluene? Toluene has a lower boiling point and faster evaporation than xylene. Xylene provides stronger solvency for certain resins and a slower drying profile, which can improve film formation in coatings.
Q5. How should xylene be stored? Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources. Keep away from oxidizers and strong acids. Use grounded metal containers to prevent static sparks.
Q6. What are the safety precautions for handling xylene? Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing. Use local exhaust ventilation or respirators if airborne concentrations exceed occupational limits. Avoid skin contact and inhalation; xylene can cause dizziness, headache, and dermatitis.
Q7. What is the purity of industrial grade xylene? Industrial grade xylene typically has a purity of 99.90% (by GC). Higher purity grades are available for analytical and electronic applications. Impurities may include ethylbenzene and other aromatics.
Q8. Can xylene be used as a fuel additive? Yes, xylene has a high octane rating and can be used as an octane booster in gasoline blends. However, due to VOC regulations and toxicity, its use as a fuel additive is limited and subject to environmental controls.