O-xylene (ortho-xylene, CAS 95-47-6) is generally recovered from aromatic hydrocarbon streams generated during petroleum refining and petrochemical processing. Catalytic reforming of petroleum naphtha is one source of these aromatic-rich streams. Because the streams contain multiple aromatic compounds and xylene isomers, further separation and purification are required to obtain commercial o-xylene that meets the specified quality requirements.
What Is o-Xylene CAS 95-47-6?
o-Xylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon with the molecular formula C6H4(CH3)2, in which two methyl substituents are attached to adjacent carbon atoms on the benzene ring (ortho configuration). It is a structural isomer of m-xylene and para-xylene; a mixture of the two is called mixed xylene. 1,2-dimethylbenzene is a colorless, slightly oily, flammable liquid. Most o-xylene is produced through petroleum cracking, which yields a series of aromatic compounds, including xylene isomers. m-Xylene isomerizes to o-xylene.
O-Xylene has many synonyms: ortho xylene; 1,2-dimethylbenzene; dimethylbenzene isomer; xylene isomer ortho; o-xylol.
Key Properties:
|
Property |
Reference Value |
|---|---|
|
CAS Number |
95-47-6 |
|
Molecular Formula |
C₈H₁₀ |
|
Molecular Weight |
Approximately 106.16 g/mol |
|
Normal Boiling Point |
Approximately 144–145°C |
|
Appearance |
Colorless liquid |
|
Water Solubility |
Very low; slightly soluble |
- Read the article "What is the density and boiling point of o-xylene" to learn more about its properties.
How Is o-Xylene Produced?
1. Catalytic Reforming of Petroleum Naphtha
The main method for producing o-xylene chemical is the catalytic reforming of petroleum naphtha.
Petroleum naphtha is heated and passed through a catalyst. This reaction produces aromatics, forming a BTX mixture (benzene, toluene, xylene). This mixture contains three types of xylene: o-xylene, m-xylene, and p-xylene.
2. Separation of Xylene Isomers
ortho-Xylene is mixed with other xylenes, so separation is necessary.
It has a high boiling point, so it can be separated by distillation. Plants also use methods such as adsorption or crystallization to improve purity. This produces high-purity o-xylene liquid for industrial applications.
3. Isomerization
Some m-xylene is converted to o-xylene to meet demand.
What Is ortho-xylene Used For in Chemical Manufacturing?
CAS 95-47-6 o-Xylene is an important aromatic solvent in the chemical industry. Its core practical applications in chemical manufacturing are as follows:
1. Main raw material for phthalic anhydride
This is the most important and widely used application of o-xylene in the entire chemical industry. Under specialized oxidation reaction conditions, pure o-xylene can be completely processed into phthalic anhydride. Phthalic anhydride is widely used in the production of flexible PVC plastic products, various indoor and outdoor wall coatings, industrial and building protective coatings, and strong adhesives.
2. Chemical intermediate in chemical production
o-xylene (CAS 95-47-6) is a stable and reliable chemical intermediate in the production of fine chemicals. It can be further processed and reacted to synthesize a variety of high-value chemical derivatives, including phthalonitrile, o-toluic acid, and industrial-grade dimethyl terephthalate (DMT). All these derivatives are core raw materials for synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers made from orthoxylene derivatives are widely used in the production of clothing fabrics, home textiles, industrial fabrics, and other daily textiles, with a very broad market demand.
3. Highly Efficient Industrial Solvent
1,2-Dimethylbenzene possesses excellent solubility, stable chemical properties, and moderate volatility, making it a superior industrial solvent for industrial production workshops. It is commonly used for deep industrial cleaning of machinery and equipment, and for removing oil stains from metal surfaces without damaging the surface of mechanical parts. Furthermore, ortho xylene solvent is an essential additive in the formulation of printing inks, packaging inks, and various water-based and oil-based industrial coatings.
o-Xylene (ortho-xylene) CAS 95-47-6 Supplier
What Should Buyers Check When Purchasing o-Xylene CAS 95-47-6?
For industrial buyers, the quality of o-xylene is determined by the agreed product specification and batch test results, not simply by the stated raw material source or grade name.
Before selecting an o-xylene supplier, check the following points:
| Procurement Check | What to Confirm |
|---|---|
| Product identity | o-Xylene, CAS 95-47-6, rather than mixed xylene, CAS 1330-20-7 |
| Purity | Required minimum o-xylene content and the analytical basis used |
| Impurities | Maximum permitted levels of m-xylene, p-xylene, ethylbenzene and other relevant components |
| Quality documents | Product specification, batch COA and current SDS |
| Packaging | Suitable packaging format, net weight per package and applicable transport requirements |
| Order quantity | Required quantity and whether the shipment is a trial order or regular procurement |
| Delivery terms | Destination port, preferred Incoterm and required delivery schedule |
Why Is the Batch COA Important?
A product specification states the agreed quality requirements, while a batch COA reports analytical results for a particular batch. Buyers should compare the COA results with their purchase specification and confirm that the test methods and impurity limits are appropriate for the intended application.
For processes where impurity levels affect reaction performance, a quotation should be based on the actual required specification rather than the product name alone.
Safety Precautions
O-xylene is a flammable liquid. Store and handle it in accordance with the current product SDS, applicable fire-safety requirements and local regulations. Appropriate ventilation, ignition-source control and suitable protective equipment are important.
For export shipments, confirm the applicable dangerous-goods classification, packaging, labeling and transport documentation before dispatch.
- Read related article: Is o-Xylene Liquid Hazardous? Safe Handling Tips – Learn About Its Safety Properties
Conclusion
O-xylene (CAS 95-47-6) is generally recovered from aromatic hydrocarbon streams through separation and purification. Its primary industrial application is the production of phthalic anhydride, with selected uses in chemical synthesis and solvent formulations.
For industrial buyers, the most important purchasing checks are product identity, required purity, impurity limits, batch COA, packaging and destination-specific shipping requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About o-Xylene
Q1. How is o-xylene produced commercially?
A: O-xylene is generally recovered from aromatic hydrocarbon streams generated during petroleum refining and petrochemical processing. Separation and purification are used to obtain a product that meets the required specification.
Q2. What is the main industrial use of o-xylene?
A: The primary industrial use of o-xylene (CAS 95-47-6) is as a feedstock for phthalic anhydride production. Phthalic anhydride is used in the manufacture of plasticizers, alkyd resins and unsaturated polyester resins.
Q3. Is o-xylene the same as mixed xylene?
A: No. O-xylene is a single xylene isomer, while mixed xylene contains a combination of xylene isomers and may also contain ethylbenzene. Their specifications and industrial uses can differ, so buyers should confirm the CAS number and composition before ordering.
Q4. What documents should buyers request from an o-xylene supplier?
A: Buyers should request the applicable product specification, batch Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Additional transport and export documents may be required depending on the shipment and destination.
about us
Tianjin Gnee Biotech Co., Ltd. (GNEE BIO), established in 2021. We provide order-specific quotations - clearly stated on your preferred Incoterm (FOB, CFR or CIF) - based on your required quantity, specification, packaging and destination, rather than a generic published rate. Every order can include COA, TDS and SDS/MSDS documentation, with third-party inspection (such as SGS) available on request.
To request a current, order-specific quotation for Ortho-xylene, contact us.
GNEE BIO Product Packaging
When requesting a quotation, please indicate your preferred packaging format and destination. We can then review the applicable packaging and export arrangements for your order.
| Packaging Type | Net Weight |
|---|---|
| Steel Drum | 250 kg |
| IBC Tank | 1250 kg |
| ISO Tank | Bulk shipment |
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