The main difference is composition and purity: Mixed Xylene (CAS 1330-20-7) is a commercial blend of o-xylene, m-xylene and p-xylene (often with trace ethylbenzene), used mainly as a general-purpose industrial solvent, while o-Xylene (CAS 95-47-6) is a single, higher-purity isomer used primarily as a chemical feedstock for phthalic anhydride production, with solvent use as a secondary application. Both belong to the xylene family (C₈H₁₀) and share a similar aromatic hydrocarbon structure, but they serve different roles in industrial supply chains - and buyers frequently mix them up when sourcing.
This article compares mixed xylene and o-xylene side by side so paint, coating, adhesive, ink and chemical intermediate buyers can confirm they are requesting the correct product from their supplier.
Mixed Xylene vs. o-Xylene: Quick Comparison Table
| Item | Mixed Xylene | o-Xylene (Ortho-xylene) |
|---|---|---|
| CAS No. | 1330-20-7 | 95-47-6 |
| Composition | Blend of o-, m-, p-xylene isomers (composition varies by grade; may include ethylbenzene) | Single isomer, typically 95–99%+ purity depending on grade |
| Chemical Formula | C₈H₁₀ (mixture) | C₈H₁₀ (1,2-dimethylbenzene) |
| Primary Industrial Role | General-purpose industrial solvent | Chemical feedstock / intermediate |
| Main Use | Paints, coatings, adhesives, inks, industrial cleaning | Phthalic anhydride production (plasticizers, unsaturated polyester resin); secondary use as solvent |
| Boiling Range | ~137–140 °C (mixture, varies with isomer ratio) | ~144.4 °C |
| Typical Buyer | Paint, coating, adhesive and ink manufacturers | Phthalic anhydride producers, resin manufacturers, chemical processors |
What Is Mixed Xylene Used For?
CAS 1330‑20‑7 Mixed xylene is the workhorse solvent grade of the xylene family. Because it is a blend rather than a single purified isomer, it is more cost-effective for applications where solvency and evaporation control matter more than isomer purity. It is widely used as a primary solvent or part of a solvent blend in:
- Solvent-based industrial and metal paints
- Protective and machinery coatings
- Alkyd resin-based formulations
- Solvent-based adhesives and rubber cements
- Printing inks compatible with aromatic solvents
- Industrial cleaning and degreasing in some applications
For a full technical breakdown, see our Mixed Xylene for Paints and Coatings product page and our companion article on uses in paints and coatings.
What Is o-Xylene Used For?
CAS 95-47-6 o-Xylene is primarily consumed as a chemical intermediate rather than a general solvent. Its largest downstream use globally is as feedstock for phthalic anhydride, which is then used to manufacture PVC plasticizers and unsaturated polyester and alkyd resins. o-Xylene also has secondary use as a solvent in paints, varnishes, inks and pesticide formulations, and as an intermediate in some dye and agrochemical synthesis. GNEE BIO's o-Xylene (CAS 95-47-6) product page and our knowledge article "What is Ortho-xylene (o-xylene) used for?" cover this in more detail.
Why Isomer Composition Matters When Sourcing Xylene
Because "xylene" is sometimes used loosely in the market, buyers should always confirm:
- Is the product a mixture or a single isomer? A mixed xylene COA should show the approximate o-/m-/p-xylene ratio and ethylbenzene content; an o-xylene COA should confirm the minimum purity of the ortho isomer.
- What is the intended end use? Solvent applications (paints, coatings, adhesives, inks) generally call for mixed xylene, while phthalic anhydride and similar chemical synthesis routes require higher-purity o-xylene.
- What documentation is available? Always request COA, SDS/MSDS and TDS to confirm isomer ratio, purity and safety classification before purchase.
Supplying the wrong grade can affect solvency performance, regulatory classification and cost, so it is worth confirming the exact CAS number and specification with your supplier before finalizing an order.
GNEE BIO Supplies Both Mixed Xylene and o-Xylene
As a chemical raw material supplier and exporter established in 2021, Tianjin Gnee Biotech Co., Ltd. (GNEE BIO) supplies both grades of xylene to global industrial buyers:
- Mixed Xylene (CAS 1330-20-7) - for paint, coating, adhesive and ink manufacturers, supplied in bulk with drums, IBC tanks or ISO tanks
- o-Xylene (CAS 95-47-6) - for phthalic anhydride producers, resin manufacturers and other chemical intermediate applications
Every order can be supplied with COA, SDS/MSDS and TDS, and third-party inspection (including SGS) is available on request. Our team can help confirm which xylene grade fits your formulation or process before you place an order.
FAQ: Mixed Xylene vs. o-Xylene
Q: Can o-xylene be used as a substitute for mixed xylene in paint formulations?
In some cases o-xylene can be used as a solvent, but because it is a single isomer it behaves somewhat differently in solvency and evaporation compared to a mixed xylene blend, and it is typically priced and supplied as a chemical intermediate rather than a bulk paint solvent. Testing is recommended before substitution.
Q: Does mixed xylene contain o-xylene?
Yes. Commercial mixed xylene is a blend that includes o-xylene along with m-xylene, p-xylene and often trace ethylbenzene - the exact ratio depends on the production source and grade.
Q: Which one should I order - mixed xylene or o-xylene?
If you are formulating paints, coatings, adhesives or inks, mixed xylene (CAS 1330-20-7) is generally the correct product. If you are producing phthalic anhydride or a related chemical intermediate, o-xylene (CAS 95-47-6) is typically required. Contact GNEE BIO if you are unsure which grade fits your application.
For pricing, specifications or samples of either grade, contact GNEE BIO.