The key difference between industrial-grade and technical-grade mixed xylene is the agreed specification and its suitability for the intended process-not simply the grade name on the quotation.
What Do Industrial Grade and Technical Grade Mean?
Industrial grade generally refers to material intended for industrial applications, while technical grade indicates material sold against a defined technical specification. Neither label alone guarantees a universal purity level. Request the written specification and a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Typical Mixed Xylene Specification
|
Parameter |
Example specification |
|---|---|
|
Product name |
Mixed Xylene |
|
CAS No. |
1330-20-7 |
|
Assay (xylene isomers + ethylbenzene) |
≥ 98.0 wt% |
|
Water content |
≤ 0.05 wt% |
|
Specific gravity |
0.865–0.875 |
|
Initial boiling point (IBP) |
≥ 137°C |
|
Dry point |
≤ 143°C |
|
Distillation range |
≤ 5°C |
|
Toluene |
≤ 0.5 wt% |
|
Ethylbenzene |
≤ 20 wt% |
|
C9 aromatics |
≤ 1.5 wt% |
|
Total non-aromatics |
≤ 0.5 wt% |
|
Sulfur |
≤ 1.0 mg/kg |
|
Color |
≤ 20 Pt-Co |
|
Residue |
≤ 0.002 wt% |
- The table above provides an example of published technical-grade specifications for mixed xylene. It is intended as a procurement reference, not a universal specification. Before ordering, buyers should confirm the assay basis, impurity limits, test methods, and batch-specific COA with the supplier.
Contact us for detailed specifications.
Which specification matters most for your application?
Choose the specification according to the end use, because a higher headline assay does not automatically mean better process performance. A coating formulator, chemical processor, and buyer of feedstock may need different impurity limits and distillation characteristics.
|
Application |
Specification points to prioritize |
Procurement question |
|---|---|---|
|
Distillation range, evaporation behavior, water, appearance, and compatibility |
Does the solvent perform consistently in our formulation? |
|
|
Industrial cleaning or solvent blending |
Assay, water, appearance, and relevant impurity limits |
Will the material fit our process and handling requirements? |
|
Chemical feedstock |
Isomer composition and impurities relevant to the downstream reaction |
Is the isomer profile suitable for the target product? |
|
General industrial use |
Agreed assay, water, distillation behavior, and batch consistency |
Does the specification meet our written purchase requirements? |
CAS 1330‑20‑7 Mixed xylene is not a single pure compound with a fixed isomer ratio. The proportions of its components can vary, so buyers with composition-sensitive applications should request detailed composition data rather than relying only on a total assay figure.
Is there a universal standard for xylene grades?
No single grade label should be treated as a universal specification for all mixed xylene applications. ASTM D843-24 is a current standard specifically titled Standard Specification for Nitration Grade Xylene; it should not be represented as a general standard that automatically defines every industrial or technical-grade product.
When a buyer requires compliance with a named standard, the purchase contract should identify the exact standard and edition, the required test methods, the acceptance limits, and the documentation to be supplied. If no named standard is required, buyer and supplier should agree on a written product specification before the order is confirmed.
What documents should buyers request before ordering?
Request the current TDS, SDS, written specification, and a representative COA before finalizing the purchase; then confirm that a COA for the actual shipment batch will be supplied.
- TDS (Technical Data Sheet): Typical product properties and intended applications.
- SDS (Safety Data Sheet): Hazards, handling, storage, transport, and emergency measures.
- COA (Certificate of Analysis): Test results for a defined batch or lot.
- Packaging and shipping details: Container type, net weight, labeling, and relevant transport documents.
- A sample COA is useful for initial evaluation, but it is not proof that the shipment being purchased has the same test results. Confirm the lot-specific report and how the batch number on the COA corresponds to the labels on the containers.
Buyer checklist before placing a bulk order
Use this checklist when comparing quotations from multiple suppliers:
- Confirm CAS number: 1330-20-7.
- Define the intended application and required grade.
- Agree on assay basis and minimum value.
- Specify water content and relevant impurity limits.
- Confirm distillation requirements and test methods.
- Request a lot-specific COA for the shipment.
- Confirm packaging, net quantity, destination, and Incoterms.
- Review the SDS and destination-market transport requirements.
- Define the procedure for handling off-spec material before shipment.
FAQ
Q: Is 98% purity enough for mixed xylene?
A: It may be sufficient for some industrial applications, but not all. The required purity and impurity limits depend on the process and should be confirmed in the purchase specification.
Q: Is technical grade always higher quality than industrial grade?
A: No. Grade terminology is not consistently standardized across all suppliers. Compare written specifications and batch results rather than relying on the label alone.
Q: Should I accept a sample COA as proof of shipment quality?
A: No. A sample COA can help you evaluate a product reference, but you should request the COA linked to the actual batch being shipped.
Q: What should I send when requesting a quotation?
A: Provide the product name and CAS number, intended application, required specification, quantity, packaging preference, destination port, and requested Incoterm.
Request a specification-matched quotation
GNEE BIO supports B2B sourcing and export inquiries for mixed xylene. Buyers can submit their required specification, order quantity, packaging preference, and destination to discuss the applicable supply option and documentation.
For pricing, specifications or samples of either grade, contact GNEE BIO.