What Is the Difference Between p-Xylene and o-Xylene?
1. Structural Differences
p-Xylene and o-xylene are both isomers of dimethylbenzene, with the chemical formula C₈H₁₀. Their main structural difference lies in the positions of the two methyl groups attached to the benzene ring.
For o-xylene (1,2-dimethylbenzene), the two methyl groups are on adjacent carbon atoms of the benzene ring.
For p-xylene (1,4-dimethylbenzene), the two methyl groups are on opposite carbon atoms of the benzene ring.
2. Differences in Physical Properties
| Physical Property | p-Xylene (P-Xylene) | o-Xylene (O-Xylene) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C₈H₁₀ | C₈H₁₀ |
| CAS Number | 106-42-3 | 95-47-6 |
| Molecular Weight | 106.16 g/mol | 106.16 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless, transparent liquid | Colorless, transparent liquid |
| Odor | Aromatic hydrocarbon odor | Aromatic hydrocarbon odor |
| Melting Point | ≈ 13.2 °C | ≈ -25 °C |
| Boiling Point | ≈ 138.4 °C | ≈ 144.4 °C |
| Density (20 °C) | ~0.861 g/cm³ | ~0.880 g/cm³ |
| Vapor Pressure (25 °C) | Lower | Higher |
| Solubility in Water | Insoluble | Insoluble |
| Solubility in Organic Solvents | Miscible | Miscible |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) | ~27 °C | ~30 °C |
| State at Room Temperature | Liquid (may crystallize in cold conditions) | Liquid |
3. Differences in Applications
p-Xylene is mainly used to make terephthalic acid, which is an important material for PET plastic bottles and polyester fibers.
O-xylene is mainly used in manufacturing phthalic anhydride, and it is produced during petroleum cracking.
Understanding the physical differences between p-Xylene and o-Xylene helps buyers choose the right material for PTA production, solvent applications, coatings, and chemical synthesis, Looking for a reliable p-Xylene and o-Xylene supplier? Contact us for bulk supply, COA, SDS and competitive pricing.
Get Your Quote or Place Your Order Today!
High Quality p-Xylene Supplier
about us
As a leading manufacturer and exporter of fine chemicals, GNEE BIO provides high-quality industrial chemicals. We supply to customers across the chemical, pharmaceutical, and materials industries, ensuring consistent quality, reliable logistics, and professional technical support.
Our chemical products hold international certifications (REACH, ISO, FMQS, HALAL) for global quality recognitio. We have warehouses in coreports such as Qingdao, Tianiin, and Shanghai, with a 15-day express delivery service.
Other Hot-Selling Products
CAS 64-19-7 Acetic acid/Glacial Acetic Acid; CAS 75-05-8 Acetonitrile; CAS 67-68-5 Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO); CAS 67-63-0 Isopropyl alcohol (IPA); CAS 95-47-6 o-Xylene; CAS 106-42-3 p-Xylene; CAS 75-09-2 Dichloromethane (DCM).
GNEE BIO Product Packaging
Customer Visit
