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
SDS available upon request.
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