Description

Xylene (C8H10) is an aromatic hydrocarbon name covering three isomers: ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, and para-xylene. Commercial xylene may be sold as a mixture of isomers or as a specified purified isomer. Its composition, purity, and intended use must be stated in the product specification.

 

How is xylene produced?

Xylene-containing streams can be obtained from petroleum reformate and other suitable aromatic feeds. Fractionation and, where required, aromatics extraction and purification recover a C8-rich stream. Additional separation is needed when a buyer requires a particular isomer such as para-xylene. The actual product and yield depend on the composition of the feed and the installed process units.

A conventional distillation column that separates C8-range material from C9-range material does not by itself produce pure para-xylene. A C8 cut may contain ethylbenzene alongside the xylene isomers. The product should be named according to its measured composition and agreed grade.

 

What is xylene used for?

Depending on its isomer composition and grade, xylene may be used as:

• A feedstock for producing or separating individual xylene isomers
• A petrochemical intermediate for downstream products
• An industrial solvent in suitable coatings, inks and chemical applications

Purified para-xylene is an important feedstock for terephthalic acid and polyester production; this application requires the correct isomer and purity. Xylene is flammable and must be handled in accordance with its safety data sheet and applicable requirements.

 

Key properties to check

• GC composition for each xylene isomer and ethylbenzene
• Total xylene content
• Distillation range and density
• Sulfur and water
• Other buyer-specific impurities

A recent Certificate of Analysis should support the stated product grade.

 

Availability & specification

Product availability and the specification of a particular xylene grade vary by supplier. Contact our team for the isomer composition, product specification, Certificate of Analysis, current pricing and handling requirements.

Technical references: Axens — “Paraxylene Purification and Production” and “Aromatics Extraction”; U.S. National Library of Medicine PubChem — “Xylene” and “P-Xylene”.