Xylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon that occurs naturally in petroleum and coal tar and is a constituent of smoke from most combustion sources. In the U.S., xylene is produced primarily using catalytic reforming of petroleum (approximately 95%). There were 20 production facilities for mixed xylenes in the U.S. in 1989.

Where can xylene be found?

Xylene has been found in many types of foods at levels ranging from 1 to 100 ppb. You may also come in contact with xylene from a variety of consumer products, including gasoline, paint, varnish, shellac, rust preventives, and cigarette smoke.

Is xylene man made?

Xylene is primarily a synthetic chemical; however, it can occur naturally in petroleum, coal tar, and during forest fires. There are three forms of xylene: meta-xylene, ortho-xylene and para-xylene. These different forms are known as isomers.

Is xylene naturally occurring?

Xylenes are naturally found in petroleum, coal tar, wood, and some plants. Xylenes are also used as solvents in printing processes and the production of rubber and leather, and may be found in some fibers, plastics, and coatings.

How do you make xylene?

Xylene fractions are produced from straight-run light naphtha (crude oil components heavier than pentanes and up to a final boiling point between 105 °C and 170 °C) by catalytic reforming via hydrotreating.

Is xylene the same as acetone?

Xylene is an organic compound having the chemical formula (CH3)2C6H4 while Acetone is an organic compound having the chemical formula (CH3)2CO. The key difference between xylene and acetone is that xylene is a cheap and less toxic solvent, whereas acetone is an expensive and more toxic solvent.

How toxic is xylene?

Exposure to xylene can irritate the eyes, nose, skin, and throat. Xylene can also cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, loss of muscle coordination, and in high doses, death. Workers may be harmed from exposure to xylene. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.

What is xylene made of?

Xylenes are produced by the methylation of toluene and benzene. Commercial or laboratory-grade xylene produced usually contains about 40–65% of m-xylene and up to 20% each of o-xylene, p-xylene and ethylbenzene.

Is xylene the same as toluene?

What is the Difference Between Toluene and Xylene? Toluene and xylene are aromatic organic compounds. The key difference between toluene and xylene is that toluene contains one methyl group attached to a benzene ring whereas xylene contains two methyl groups attached to a benzene ring.

Is xylene bad for the environment?

Xylene is a cyclic hydrocarbon, and an environmental pollutant. It is also used in dyes, paints, polishes, medical technology and different industries as a solvent. Xylene easily vaporizes and divides by sunlight into other harmless chemicals.

What products contain xylene?

Toluene and xylene are used in:

  • Fingernail polish.
  • Glues and adhesives.
  • Lacquers.
  • Octane booster in gasoline.
  • Paints.
  • Paint thinners.
  • Printing and leather tanning processes.
  • Rubber and plastic cements.

What can I use instead of xylene?

Conclusion. Carrot oil, Olive oil, Pine oil, Rose oil, are not only bio friendly and economical but can also be used as clearing agent instead of xylene.

Where is toluene found?

Toluene is found naturally in crude oil, and is used in oil refining and the manufacturing of paints, lacquers, explosives (TNT) and glues. In homes, toluene may be found in paint thinners, paintbrush cleaners, nail polish, glues, inks and stain removers.

What is Xylol used for?

Xylene can be used to thin specified oil-based paint, lacquer, varnish, epoxy, adhesives, anti-rust, porch & deck paints and synthetic enamels. Xylene will also remove certain adhesives, and is an excellent solvent for cleaning tools and equipment immediately after use.

What happens when you mix xylene and water?

Well xylene and water does not mix also. The mixing of the two has many bad results in processing and staining. If water is present in the xylenes during tissue processing then the tissues are more prone to “frying” become brittle.

Is xylene the same as toluene?

What is the Difference Between Toluene and Xylene? Toluene and xylene are aromatic organic compounds. The key difference between toluene and xylene is that toluene contains one methyl group attached to a benzene ring whereas xylene contains two methyl groups attached to a benzene ring.