CAS 1330-20-7 · Aromatic Solvent
Xylene
Dimethylbenzene · C₈H₁₀ · MW 106.17 g/mol
A high-boiling aromatic solvent supplied as mixed isomers (ortho, meta, para). Xylene's strong solvency, slow evaporation, and compatibility with a wide range of resins make it a staple in paints, varnishes, and industrial cleaning. Texas-Chem supplies xylene in drums, totes, and bulk.
Formula
C₈H₁₀
Boiling Point
138–144 °C
Solubility
Practically insoluble
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes · Bulk
Structural Formula
Para-xylene shown — benzene ring with two methyl groups; supplied as mixed ortho/meta/para isomers
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 2 — Moderate hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 3 — Serious hazard
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- OSHA PEL (TWA)
- 100 ppm (435 mg/m³)
- ACGIH TLV (TWA)
- 100 ppm
- IDLH
- 900 ppm
- DOT Hazard Class
- 3 — Flammable Liquid
- UN Number
- UN 1307
- Packing Group
- III
Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet before handling.
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | C₈H₁₀ |
| Molecular Weight | 106.17 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 1330-20-7 (mixed isomers) |
| Boiling Point | 138–144 °C (280–291 °F) |
| Melting Point | −47.4 to −25 °C (varies by isomer) |
| Flash Point | 27–32 °C (81–90 °F) — Flammable |
| Density | 0.860–0.868 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.9–1.1 kPa at 20 °C |
| Solubility in Water | ~0.2 g/L at 25 °C (practically insoluble) |
| Refractive Index | 1.495–1.500 at 20 °C |
| Auto-ignition Temp. | 463–528 °C (varies by isomer) |
| Explosive Limits | 1.0% – 7.0% (v/v in air) |
Industrial Applications
Paints & Varnishes
High-boiling aromatic solvent for alkyd, epoxy, and polyurethane coatings. Slower evaporation than toluene improves flow and leveling in brush-applied finishes.
Cleaning Agents
Effective degreaser and cleaner for metal surfaces, molds, and industrial equipment. Removes heavy oils, greases, and bituminous residues.
Adhesives
Solvent in rubber-based and contact adhesives for construction, automotive, and footwear manufacturing.
Chemical Synthesis
Feedstock for phthalic anhydride, isophthalic acid, and terephthalic acid (PTA) production — key intermediates for plastics and polyester fibers.
Printing Inks
Carrier solvent in gravure, flexographic, and screen printing inks for packaging and publication printing.
Histology & Laboratory
ACS/HPLC-grade xylene is a standard clearing agent in histological tissue processing and a solvent in microscopy.
Why Source Xylene from Texas-Chem?
- 35+ years supplying aromatic solvents to Texas manufacturers
- Industrial mixed, ACS, and HPLC grades available
- Flexible packaging from 55-gal drums to bulk tanker delivery
- Competitive pricing backed by top-tier producer relationships
- Technical support and SDS documentation with every order
- Same-day quotes for standard quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
What grades of xylene are available for industrial and coating applications?▾
Chemical & Filtration Products of Texas supplies Industrial-grade xylene (mixed isomers) for coatings, adhesives, rubber, and chemical manufacturing applications. Industrial-grade xylene is the most common form used in paints, lacquers, varnishes, and as a cleaning solvent for metal parts. Every order includes SDS documentation and lot traceability from source manufacturers including ExxonMobil. Contact us at 855-TEX-CHEM for current grade availability and pricing.
What is the difference between ortho, meta, and para-xylene for industrial buyers?▾
Mixed xylene (a blend of ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene isomers plus ethylbenzene) is the standard industrial form used in coatings, cleaning, and solvent applications. Individual isomers are separated for specific chemical synthesis applications — para-xylene is the primary feedstock for PET plastic production, while ortho-xylene is used to produce phthalic anhydride. For most industrial solvent applications, mixed xylene is the correct product. Contact us at 855-TEX-CHEM if you need a specific isomer for your process.
Can I order bulk xylene for a paint or coatings manufacturing operation in Texas?▾
Yes. We supply bulk xylene to coatings manufacturers, adhesive blenders, and chemical processors across Texas in quantities from single drums to full bulk tanker deliveries. Xylene is a high-demand solvent in the coatings industry for its ability to dissolve resins and reduce viscosity in paint formulations. Orders ship with full SDS documentation and lot traceability. Contact us at 855-TEX-CHEM or [email protected] for current pricing on your required volume.
What are the primary industrial uses of xylene?▾
Xylene's primary industrial uses include paint and coatings manufacturing (as a solvent and thinner), adhesive production, rubber processing, printing ink formulation, and as a cleaning agent for steel and metals. It is also used in the production of dyes, pesticides, and certain plastics. In laboratory settings, xylene is widely used as a clearing agent in histology. We supply xylene for all of these applications with consistent quality and full compliance documentation. Contact us at 855-TEX-CHEM for application-specific guidance.
Does xylene require any special handling or storage considerations for Texas industrial facilities?▾
Yes. Xylene is a flammable liquid (flash point approximately 27–32°C for mixed isomers) and requires storage in approved flammable liquid containers away from ignition sources, heat, and direct sunlight. Facilities must follow OSHA hazard communication standards and maintain current SDS documentation on-site. Chemical & Filtration Products of Texas provides a current SDS with every shipment so your EHS team has the documentation needed for safe handling and regulatory compliance. Contact us at 855-TEX-CHEM before your first order if you have storage or permitting questions.
How does xylene compare to toluene as an industrial solvent?▾
Xylene and toluene are both aromatic hydrocarbon solvents used in coatings, adhesives, and cleaning, but they differ in evaporation rate and solvency strength. Toluene evaporates faster and has a slightly higher solvency power; xylene evaporates more slowly, which can be advantageous in high-bake coating formulations that require extended flow time. Both are available from Chemical & Filtration Products of Texas with full grade documentation. Contact us at 855-TEX-CHEM to discuss which solvent fits your specific formulation requirement.