Solvents
REACH
o-xylene
CAS Number
95-47-6
EC Number
202-422-2
What is o-xylene?
O-xylene (CAS 95-47-6), also sold as o-xylol, is an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent and chemical intermediate sourced primarily from catalytic reforming of naphtha.
Where is o-xylene used?
- Coatings and industrial cleaning: high-solvency aromatic carrier for resins, epoxies and heavy-duty degreasers
- Adhesives and sealants: dissolves synthetic rubbers and polymer binders during compounding
- Oil and gas: specialty solvent blends for pipeline cleaning and hydrocarbon extraction
- It is oxidised to phthalic anhydride, which feeds plasticizer and alkyd resin manufacturing.
Good to know: High-purity grades are used where isomer contamination must be tightly controlled.
Commercial specifications
- Technical grade, purity typically 98% or higher
- Bulk tanker, ISO container and drum formats
Other Names (Synonyms)
ortho-xylene|o-xylol|3,4-xylene|2-xylene|1,2-xylene|1,2-Dimethylbenzol|1,2-dimethylbenzene|o-Dimethylbenzene
What are the physical properties of o-xylene?
Melting Point -25 °C
Boiling Point 144.4 °C @ Press: 760 Torr
Density 0.8801 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point 90 °F
Appearance colourless liquid
Color Yellow to beige
Odor Benzene-like; characteristic aromatic.
Form Solid or Crystalline Powder
Water Solubility Sparingly soluble in water. (0.2g/L)
Vapor Pressure <0.1 atm ( 21.1 °C)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.505(lit.)
Log P 3.16 at 20℃
How is o-xylene classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS02· Flammable GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard GHS09· Environmental Hazard
Hazard Statements
H225 H225
H226 H226
H303 H303
H304 H304
Precautionary Statements
P203 P203
P210 P210
P233 P233
P240 P240
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to o-xylene?
HS Code 29024100
UN Number 1307
ADR Class 3
Packing Group III
WGK (Germany) 2