Xylene - Uses, Formula, Structure, FAQs

Q: What is the formula of xylene ?

The formula of xylene is (CH 3 ) 2 C 6 H 4 .

Xylene - Uses, Formula, Structure, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:05 PM IST

Xylene or dimethyl benzene is a highly flammable colorless liquid with a chemical formula (CH₃)₂C₆H₄. As the name dimethyl benzene suggested, it is a compound where the benzene ring has been substituted by 2 methyl groups. It is a colorless liquid with slightly greasy liquids with a very important use industry. Xylene was first discovered from a constituent of wood tar by a French chemist named Auguste Cahours. Xylene is produced industrially by the methylation reaction of toluene and benzene. Xylene is also produced by the process of catalytic reforming and by coal carbonization.

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Xylene formula
Xylene Structure
Side effects of Xylene
Xylene uses

There are three isomers for xylene ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, and para-xylene. Ortho-xylene name is 1, 2 dimethyl benzene here the methyl groups are substituted on the ortho positions of the benzene ring. And the name of meta-xylene is 1, 3 dimethyl benzene where the methyl groups are substituted on the meta position of benzene. And para toluene with the name 1, 4 dimethylbenzene where the methyl groups are substituted on the para position of the benzene ring. Of the three isomers of xylene, they all have the same chemical formula C₈H₁₀.

The mixture of xylene is mainly used as a solvent and it is a bit greasy and has a sweet smell. Mixture xylene contains xylene and also ethylbenzene. It is used as a solvent within the manufacture of the many chemicals, sprays, coatings, and adhesives and as an ingredient in aircraft fuels and types of gasoline. Xylene is also used as a feedstock for the production of various polymers. Gasoline contains 1 and 6% of xylene. It is also present in paint together with toluene. Xylene is also found naturally in petroleum together with benzene, ethylbenzene, and toluene.

The molecular weight of xylene is 106.16 grams per mole with a density of 0.864 grams per ml. The boiling point and the melting point of xylene are 138.5 degrees Celsius and -47.4 degrees Celsius. Xylene boiling point is -47.4 degrees Celsius.

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Xylene formula

The chemical formula of xylene is C₈H₁₀.

Xylene Structure

Xylene structure can be explained in this portion. As xylene exists in three isomeric forms is ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, and para-xylene, it has three different structures also with the same chemical formula C8H10. For 1, 2 dimethyl benzene the second methyl group is attached nearby to the carbon atom where the first methyl group is attached and hence the name ortho-xylene since it is the ortho position of a benzene ring.

For 1, 3 dimethylbenzene the second methyl group is attached to the third position from the carbon atom where the first methyl group is attached and therefore the name xylene since it is the meta position of the benzene ring. For 1, 4 dimethylbenzene the second methyl group is attached to the fourth position of the first methyl group attached, and therefore its name is para-xylene as it is the para position of the benzene ring.

Para xylene has much industrial application as it can be easily oxidized to terephthalic acid also. The following figure shows the structure of ortho, meta, and para-xylene.

Structure of ortho, meta and para xylene.

Side effects of Xylene

Xylene has a very adverse effect on human beings. Approximately 60 percent of airborne xylenes are easily absorbed to the lungs and thereby it then leads to the bloodstream and causes several damages to our body. It is also readily absorbed through broken or intact skin. Due to exposure to the environment xylene is found in fruits and vegetables and it then easily enters our body and causes serious problems. Other food items like meat products, eggs, milk, bread, potatoes, poultry, nuts, etc. also contain a trace amount of xylene.

This absorbed xylene tends to distribute it to many tissues in the body thereby causing problems to the tissues even when it enters the fetal tissues. But the xylene is easily excreted through the urine by converting it into a water-soluble metabolite that is, approximately 95% of absorbed xylene is excreted through the urine and thereby reducing the chance of risk. And it is not yet discovered whether it causes harm to the fetus.

It affects the brain to a great extent and high levels for short or long periods will cause headaches, lack of muscle coordination, dizziness, confusion, etc. It can also cause difficulty in breathing, memory difficulties, stomach discomfort, and affects the liver and kidneys. And at a high level leads to unconsciousness and even death.

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Xylene uses

Para xylene is used for the production of terephthalic acid and dimethyl terephthalates and these two are used for the production of PET (polyethylene terephthalate).
Ortho xylene is used for the preparation of phthalic anhydride.
Xylene requires only slow drying so it has been substituted with toluene.
Xylene is a very good clearing agent.
Xylene has been used for the removal of paraffin from dried microscope slides before staining.
It is commonly used as a solvent within the printing, leather, and rubber industries.
It is used as a cleaning agent in steel and electronic components like silicon wafers.
It is widely used as a solvent in paint since it is excellent in removing old paints from the surfaces.
It is also used as a substitute over other paint thinning agents like toluene. This is due to the reason that xylene does not evaporate in comparison to toluene.
It is also used in medical applications mainly in the dental field.
It is used as a lubricant in many sectors.
Xylene is one of the major constituents in petroleum lubricants, hair thinners, waxes, adhesives, petrol, tobacco, polishes, etc.
For reducing the temperature of reaction vessels used in the laboratory xylene is used.
Xylene was used as a tear gas agent in world war.

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Ozonolysis of O-xylene

The oxidative cleavage of an unsaturated bond in a compound by the reaction with ozone is ozonolysis. And therefore the end product will be a double bond replaced with a bond to an oxygen atom. In the case of o-xylene, there are two resonance structures present. The first resonance structure is shown below.

Resonance structure of o-xylene

And the second structure is shown below.

Resonance structure of o-xylene

The above shown figure is of xylene structure. As two structures are present two different types of compounds will also be produced. By the reaction with the first structure glyoxal and methyl, glyoxal is formed. While the reaction with the second structure forms glyoxal and dimethyl glyoxal.

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NCERT Chemistry Notes:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does xylene mean?

Xylene is a highly flammable colorless liquid aromatic hydrocarbon with very important industrial applications.

2. What is xylene density?

The density of xylene is 0.864g/ml.

3. What is 1, 4 dimethylbenzene common name?

Para xylene or p-xylene is the common name for 1, 4 dimethylbenzene.

4. What is O-xylene boiling point?

The boiling point of o-xylene is 144 degrees Celsius.

5. What is the formula of xylene ?

The formula of xylene is (CH₃)₂C₆H₄.

6. What is xylene flashpoint?

32 degrees Celsius. It is the temperature where a substance can be easily absorbed into the body through inhalation or ingestion.

7. How does xylene interact with biological membranes?

Xylene, being non-polar, can dissolve in the lipid bilayers of biological membranes. This can disrupt membrane structure and function, potentially leading to cell damage. This interaction demonstrates the link between a molecule's chemical properties and its biological effects.

8. What is the significance of xylene's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier?

Xylene's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier is due to its lipophilic nature, which allows it to pass through lipid-rich membranes. This property is significant in toxicology, as it means xylene can potentially affect the central nervous system. It illustrates how a molecule's chemical properties relate to its biological interactions.

9. What safety precautions should be taken when handling xylene?

When handling xylene, one should use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, goggles, and work in a well-ventilated area. Xylene is flammable and its vapors can be harmful if inhaled. This emphasizes the importance of safety in chemical laboratories and industries.

10. What is the environmental fate of xylene when released into the atmosphere?

When released into the atmosphere, xylene primarily undergoes photochemical degradation by reacting with hydroxyl radicals. It can contribute to the formation of photochemical smog. This fate illustrates the importance of considering the environmental impact of organic compounds.

11. How does the presence of xylene affect the viscosity of a liquid mixture?

Adding xylene to a liquid mixture generally decreases its viscosity. This is due to xylene's low molecular weight and weak intermolecular forces, which allow it to reduce friction between molecules in the mixture. Understanding this helps explain xylene's use as a thinning agent in various industries.

12. How many isomers does xylene have and what are they called?

Xylene has three isomers: ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, and para-xylene. These isomers differ in the position of the methyl groups on the benzene ring. Understanding these isomers helps illustrate the concept of structural isomerism in organic chemistry.

13. What is the difference between ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene?

The difference lies in the position of the methyl groups on the benzene ring. In ortho-xylene, the methyl groups are adjacent (positions 1 and 2). In meta-xylene, they're separated by one carbon (positions 1 and 3). In para-xylene, they're on opposite sides of the ring (positions 1 and 4). This demonstrates how subtle structural changes can affect a molecule's properties.

14. Why does xylene have a lower boiling point than water despite having a higher molecular weight?

Xylene has a lower boiling point than water because it's a non-polar molecule, while water is polar. Water molecules form strong hydrogen bonds with each other, requiring more energy to separate. Xylene molecules only have weak van der Waals forces between them, making them easier to separate and thus lowering the boiling point.

15. What is the IUPAC name for xylene?

The IUPAC name for xylene is dimethylbenzene. This name describes the molecule's structure: a benzene ring (benzene) with two methyl groups (dimethyl) attached. Understanding IUPAC nomenclature helps in systematically naming organic compounds based on their structure.

16. Why is xylene considered an aromatic compound?

Xylene is considered aromatic because it contains a benzene ring, which has a cyclic, planar structure with delocalized electrons. This electron delocalization gives xylene enhanced stability and unique chemical properties characteristic of aromatic compounds.

17. How does the presence of methyl groups in xylene affect its reactivity compared to benzene?

The methyl groups in xylene are electron-donating, making the benzene ring more electron-rich compared to benzene. This increases xylene's reactivity in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions and affects the orientation of incoming substituents, demonstrating how functional groups influence a molecule's chemical behavior.

18. What is the significance of xylene's planar structure?

Xylene's planar structure is crucial for its aromaticity. The planarity allows for optimal overlap of p-orbitals, creating a delocalized π-electron system above and below the ring. This electron delocalization contributes to xylene's stability and unique reactivity, illustrating the importance of molecular geometry in determining chemical properties.

19. How does the boiling point of xylene compare to that of its isomers?

The boiling points of xylene isomers differ slightly due to differences in intermolecular forces. Typically, para-xylene has the highest boiling point, followed by meta-xylene, then ortho-xylene. This variation illustrates how molecular structure influences physical properties, even among isomers.

20. How does the reactivity of xylene compare to toluene in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions?

Xylene is generally more reactive than toluene in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions. This is because xylene has two electron-donating methyl groups compared to toluene's one, making the benzene ring more electron-rich. This comparison helps in understanding the effect of substituents on aromatic reactivity.

21. How does the structure of xylene affect its ability to form hydrogen bonds?

Xylene cannot form hydrogen bonds because it lacks hydrogen atoms bonded to highly electronegative atoms like oxygen or nitrogen. This inability to form hydrogen bonds contributes to its low boiling point and miscibility properties, illustrating the importance of hydrogen bonding in determining a substance's physical properties.

22. How does the structure of xylene contribute to its use as a solvent?

Xylene's structure, with a benzene ring and two methyl groups, makes it non-polar. This allows it to dissolve other non-polar substances effectively, following the "like dissolves like" principle. The aromatic ring also provides stability, making xylene less reactive and thus suitable for many industrial applications.

23. Why is xylene used in the production of polyester fibers?

Xylene, particularly para-xylene, is used in polyester production because it can be oxidized to terephthalic acid, a key monomer in polyester synthesis. This application demonstrates how simple aromatic compounds can serve as building blocks for complex polymers, linking organic chemistry to materials science.

24. What is xylene and why is it important in organic chemistry?

Xylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C8H10. It's important in organic chemistry because it's a common industrial solvent and a precursor to many other chemicals. Xylene consists of a benzene ring with two methyl groups attached, making it a valuable example of aromatic compounds and their properties.

25. How does xylene react in halogenation reactions?

Xylene undergoes electrophilic aromatic substitution in halogenation reactions. The methyl groups are electron-donating, activating the ring and directing substitution to specific positions. This illustrates how substituents can influence reactivity and regioselectivity in aromatic compounds.

26. How does xylene contribute to air pollution?

Xylene can contribute to air pollution as a volatile organic compound (VOC). When released into the atmosphere, it can react with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone, a major component of smog. This highlights the environmental impact of organic solvents and the importance of proper handling and disposal.

27. What is the role of xylene in the petroleum industry?

In the petroleum industry, xylene is often found in crude oil and is separated during the refining process. It's valuable as a gasoline additive to increase octane rating. This application showcases how understanding the properties of hydrocarbons is crucial in fuel chemistry.

28. Why is xylene effective at dissolving paints and varnishes?

Xylene is effective at dissolving paints and varnishes due to its non-polar nature, which allows it to interact with the non-polar components of these materials. This demonstrates the practical application of the "like dissolves like" principle in everyday scenarios.

29. What is the significance of xylene's resonance structures?

Xylene's resonance structures show the delocalization of electrons in the benzene ring. This delocalization contributes to the stability of the molecule and influences its reactivity. Understanding resonance is crucial for predicting the behavior of aromatic compounds in chemical reactions.

30. How does xylene behave in acid-base reactions?

Xylene is generally neutral in acid-base reactions. The benzene ring and methyl groups don't readily donate or accept protons. However, strong acids can protonate the ring, forming a resonance-stabilized carbocation. This behavior contrasts with that of other organic compounds, highlighting the unique properties of aromatic systems.

31. Why is xylene used as a cooling agent in some nuclear reactors?

Xylene is used as a cooling agent in some nuclear reactors due to its high heat capacity and thermal stability. It can absorb large amounts of heat without breaking down, making it effective for heat transfer. This application demonstrates how a compound's physical properties can be utilized in advanced technological settings.

32. How does the presence of xylene affect the octane rating of gasoline?

Xylene increases the octane rating of gasoline because it resists compression ignition better than straight-chain hydrocarbons. This property is due to its stable aromatic structure. Understanding this helps explain why aromatic compounds are valuable fuel additives.

33. What is the relationship between xylene and benzene in terms of their chemical structures?

Xylene is a derivative of benzene, with two methyl groups attached to the benzene ring. This relationship illustrates how more complex aromatic compounds can be conceptualized as modifications of the basic benzene structure, helping to organize and understand a wide range of aromatic compounds.

34. How does xylene participate in free radical reactions?

Xylene can undergo free radical reactions, particularly at the methyl groups. For example, it can undergo free radical chlorination. The benzene ring is less reactive to free radicals due to its stability. This behavior contrasts with xylene's electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions, showing how different reaction mechanisms can target different parts of a molecule.

35. Why is xylene used in the production of certain plastics?

Xylene, particularly para-xylene, is used in plastic production because it can be oxidized to form terephthalic acid, a key monomer in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This application demonstrates how simple organic molecules can serve as building blocks for complex polymers.

36. How does the polarity of xylene compare to that of water?

Xylene is non-polar, while water is polar. This difference in polarity explains why xylene and water don't mix, demonstrating the concept of "like dissolves like" and the importance of molecular polarity in determining solubility.

37. How does the reactivity of the methyl groups in xylene compare to those in alkanes?

The methyl groups in xylene are generally more reactive than those in alkanes. This is because the benzene ring can stabilize intermediates formed during reactions of the methyl groups. This comparison helps in understanding how adjacent functional groups can influence reactivity.

38. Why is xylene used in some histology laboratories?

Xylene is used in histology labs as a clearing agent. Its ability to dissolve lipids and its miscibility with both alcohol and paraffin make it useful in preparing tissue samples for microscopy. This application showcases how a compound's solvent properties can be utilized in scientific procedures.

39. How does xylene interact with proteins?

Xylene can interact with the hydrophobic regions of proteins, potentially causing denaturation. This interaction is based on the non-polar nature of xylene and demonstrates how organic solvents can affect biological macromolecules, linking organic chemistry to biochemistry.

40. Why is xylene sometimes used in the formulation of pesticides?

Xylene is used in some pesticide formulations as a solvent or carrier. Its ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds makes it useful for creating liquid formulations of otherwise solid pesticides. This application shows how understanding a compound's solvent properties can be applied in agricultural chemistry.

41. How does the rate of evaporation of xylene compare to that of water?

Xylene evaporates more quickly than water due to its lower boiling point and weaker intermolecular forces. This property is important in its use as a fast-drying solvent in various applications, demonstrating how molecular structure influences practical properties.

42. What is the significance of xylene's ability to form azeotropes?

Xylene can form azeotropes with certain other liquids, which are mixtures that boil at a constant temperature and cannot be separated by simple distillation. This property is significant in industrial separations and purifications, illustrating the complexities of mixture behavior.

43. How does xylene affect the surface tension of water when mixed?

When xylene is mixed with water, it tends to lower the surface tension of water at the interface between the two liquids. This is due to xylene's non-polar nature disrupting the hydrogen bonding between water molecules at the surface. This effect demonstrates how mixing different types of molecules can alter physical properties.

44. Why is xylene used in some rubber cements?

Xylene is used in some rubber cements because it can dissolve certain rubbers and resins effectively. As it evaporates, it leaves behind a strong bond. This application showcases how understanding a solvent's properties and evaporation rate is crucial in adhesive chemistry.

45. How does the reactivity of xylene change at high temperatures?

At high temperatures, xylene becomes more reactive. It can undergo reactions like dealkylation, where the methyl groups are removed, or form more complex aromatic compounds. This temperature-dependent behavior illustrates how reaction conditions can significantly alter a compound's chemical properties.

46. What is the role of xylene in the production of synthetic fibers?

Xylene, particularly para-xylene, is a key intermediate in the production of synthetic fibers like polyester. It's oxidized to form terephthalic acid, which is then polymerized. This role demonstrates the importance of aromatic compounds as precursors in polymer chemistry.

47. How does xylene affect the freezing point of a solution?

When xylene is dissolved in a solvent, it lowers the freezing point of the solution. This is an example of freezing point depression, a colligative property that depends on the number of dissolved particles rather than their nature. Understanding this helps in explaining antifreeze properties and related phenomena.

48. Why is xylene sometimes used in the production of perfumes?

Xylene is occasionally used in perfume production as a solvent for combining different fragrance oils. Its ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds makes it useful for creating complex scent mixtures. This application shows how organic solvents play a role in the fragrance industry.

49. How does the presence of xylene affect the conductivity of a solution?

Xylene, being non-polar, does not ionize in solution and therefore does not significantly increase the conductivity of a solution. In fact, adding xylene to an aqueous solution can decrease conductivity by diluting the concentration of ions. This behavior contrasts with that of ionic compounds, illustrating the difference between polar and non-polar substances in solution.

50. What is the significance of xylene's ability to form clathrates?

Xylene can form clathrate compounds, where it's trapped within the crystal structure of another substance. This property is significant in separation techniques and in studying molecular interactions. It demonstrates how the size and shape of molecules can lead to interesting supramolecular structures.

51. How does xylene interact with common laboratory glassware?

Xylene does not react with or dissolve common laboratory glassware made of borosilicate glass. However, it can dissolve some plastics and rubber, which is important to consider when choosing storage containers or tubing. This interaction illustrates the importance of material compatibility in chemical storage and handling.

52. Why is xylene used in some fuel additives for two-stroke engines?

Xylene is used in some two-stroke engine fuel additives because it can help dissolve carbon deposits and improve fuel combustion. Its high energy content also contributes to engine performance. This application demonstrates how understanding a compound's solvent properties and energy content can be applied in engine chemistry.

53. How does the presence of xylene affect the refractive index of a mixture?

Adding xylene to a mixture typically increases its refractive index due to xylene's high refractive index compared to many common solvents. This property is useful in adjusting the optical properties of mixtures and illustrates how molecular structure influences the interaction of substances with light.

54. What is the role of xylene in the production of certain dyes?

Xylene serves as a starting material or intermediate in the production of certain dyes, particularly some azo dyes. Its aromatic structure provides a foundation for building more complex colored molecules. This role highlights the importance of aromatic compounds in the synthesis of colorants.