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What Is o-Xylene and What Is It Used For in Industry?

Apr 30, 2026 Leave a message

Michael Zhang
Michael Zhang
Michael Zhang is a chemical industry specialist with experience in industrial solvents, petrochemicals, and global chemical supply chains. He researches chemical properties, applications, safety, providing technical content for purchasers.

Short answer: CAS 95-47-6 o-xylene is a colorless, flammable aromatic hydrocarbon liquid with the molecular formula C6H4(CH3)2. It is primarily used in the petrochemical industry for the production of phthalic anhydride, a key raw material in the manufacture of plasticizers, resins, and coatings. Additionally, it can be used as a high-performance solvent in paints, inks, and rubber.

 

What Is o-Xylene CAS 95-47-6?

o-Xylene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a slightly sweet odor. It belongs to the family of aromatic hydrocarbons, alongside benzene and toluene. Compared with its isomers (m-xylene and p-xylene), o-xylene has unique chemical behavior that makes it especially valuable in certain industrial processes. See the article "o-Xylene, m-Xylene, and p-Xylene: What's the Difference?"

 

Synonyms:

  • Ortho-Xylene
  • 1,2-Dimethylbenzene
  • 1,2-Xylene
  • o-Methyltoluene
  • o-Dimethylbenzene

 

Chemical Formula C₈H₁₀
Molecular Weight 106.17 g/mol
Boiling Point ~144°C
Appearance Colorless liquid
Solubility in Water Very low
Flammability Flammable liquid (GHS category 3)

Full property data: density and boiling point of o-xylene.

 

What Is o-Xylene solvent Used For in Industry?

1. Chemical Manufacturing

o-xylene is a crucial basic raw material for the entire chemical industry. Its primary use is in the production of phthalic anhydride, an indispensable intermediate. Phthalic anhydride is a core raw material for manufacturing alkyd resins, multifunctional plasticizers, and high-performance polyester resins, supporting the production chain of countless chemical products.

 

2. Solvent Applications

o-xylene is widely used in everyday industrial processing as a highly efficient cleaning agent and a solvent. It plays a vital role in industries such as printing, rubber processing, and leather manufacturing, providing stable dissolving and cleaning effects, thus supporting smooth production processes.

 

3. Coatings and Adhesives

In the coatings and adhesives field, o-xylene is a thinner for various paints, varnishes, and coatings. It is also an important mixing component in various adhesives and sealants, optimizing flowability, adhesion, and overall application performance.

 

4. Degreasing

o-xylene is a practical choice for industrial degreasing operations. In routine industrial cleaning, it effectively removes stubborn grease and stains from machinery and metal parts, keeping industrial facilities clean and efficient.

 

5. Petrochemical Industry

In the petrochemical field, o-xylene is widely used as a professional paraffin solvent. It effectively removes paraffin buildup in oil pipelines, ensuring unobstructed pipeline transport and guaranteeing the stable operation of petrochemical product delivery systems.

 

o-Xylene (ortho-xylene) CAS 95-47-6 Supplier

 

CAS 95-47-6 o-Xylene in Industry at a Glance

Industry Role of o-xylene More
Chemical and petrochemical Feedstock for phthalic anhydride and other intermediates; paraffin solvent PA pathway
Plastics and resins Via PA: phthalate plasticizers, unsaturated polyester, alkyd resins Downstream products
Paints and coatings Thinner for solvent-borne paints o-xylene in paints
Inks, adhesives, rubber, leather Solvent and cleaning agent Solvent uses by sector

 

conclusion

CAS 95-47-6 o-Xylene/ ortho-xylene is a versatile industrial chemical primarily used to produce phthalic anhydride, making it essential for plastics, resins, and coatings. Its role as a solvent and intermediate further expands its importance across multiple industries, from manufacturing to energy.

 

FAQ

Q: What is ortho xylene used for in the chemical industry?

A: Mainly as feedstock for phthalic anhydride, which goes into plasticizers, unsaturated polyester resins, alkyd resins and dyes.

Q: Is o-xylene used in the petrochemical and oil industry?

A: Yes. It is produced in aromatics complexes, and aromatic solvents such as xylenes are used to dissolve paraffin (wax) deposits in oilfield operations. Check suitability for your process before use.

Q: How much o-xylene is needed to make phthalic anhydride?

A: Roughly one tonne of o-xylene per tonne of phthalic anhydride in typical air-oxidation plants; the exact ratio depends on the plant and catalyst.

Q: Is ortho-xylene flammable?

A: Yes. It is a flammable liquid (GHS category 3) with a flash point of about 30 °C.

 

about us

Tianjin Gnee Biotech Co., Ltd. (GNEE BIO), established in 2021, is a professional chemical supplier and exporter serving distributors, manufacturers and industrial users worldwide. We work with qualified manufacturing partners and apply strict quality control throughout the supply process. COA, TDS and SDS/MSDS are available with every order, and SGS third-party inspection can be arranged on request. Certification documents (REACH, ISO, FMQS, HALAL) are available on request.

 

GNEE BIO Product Packaging

Packaging Type Net Weight
Galvanized steel drum 180 kg (14.4 MT per 20' FCL)
IBC tank On request
ISO tank Bulk shipment

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