Description

These different forms are referred to as isomers. Xylene is a colorless, sweet-smelling liquid that catches on fire easily.

It occurs naturally in petroleum and coal tar. Chemical industries produce xylene from petroleum.  is one of the top 30 chemicals produced in the United States in terms of volume. is used as a solvent and in the printing, rubber, and leather industries. It is also used as a cleaning agent, a thinner for paint, and in paints and varnishes. It is found in small amounts in airplane fuel and gasoline.

Xylene

Xylene, [mixed isomers] appears as a clear colorless liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor consisting of a mixture of the three isomers (ortho-, meta- and para-). The latter two predominate. Flash point 81-115 °F. Less dense (at 7.2 lb / gal) than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. May be toxic by ingestion. Vapors heavier than air and may be narcotic in high concentrations. Used as a solvent for paints and adhesives, and to make other chemicals.

Commercial or mixed xylene usually contains about 40-65% m-xylene and up to 20% each of o-xylene and p- and ethylbenzene. Xylenes are released into the atmosphere as fugitive emissions from industrial sources, from auto exhaust, and through volatilization from their use as solvents.

xylene

Acute (short- term) inhalation exposure to mixed xylenes in humans results in irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, gastrointestinal effects, eye irritation, and neurological effects. Chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure of humans to mixed  results primarily in central nervous system (CNS) effects, such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, tremors, and incoordination; respiratory, cardiovascular, and kidney effects have also been reported. EPA has classified mixedas a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.