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Xylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon that is commonly utilised as a solvent in industry and medicine. It is a colourless, sweet-smelling liquid or gas found naturally in petroleum, coal, and wood tar, and is named after the unrefined wood spirit in which it is found. It has the chemical formula C6H4(CH3)2 and is known as dimethyl benzene because it has a six-carbon ring with two methyl groups connected to it. It is available in three isomeric forms: ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene. Xylene is a critical petrochemical that is created in the coke fuel manufacture process by catalytic reforming and coal carbonisation. It can also be found in crude oil in amounts ranging from 0.5 to 1%, depending on the source.
XYLENE
Xylene (from Greek v xylon, “wood”), xylol, or dimethylbenzene is any of three dimethylbenzene isomers, or a mixture of them. Two hydrogen atoms in the benzene ring are substituted by two methyl groups in each of the three compounds with the formula(CH3)2C6H4. All of the liquids are colourless, combustible, and slightly oily. They are extremely valuable in the industrial world. Both xylene and, more accurately, xylenes are terms used to describe the mixture. A mixture of xylenes and ethylbenzene is known as mixed xylenes. C8H10 is the empirical formula for all four compounds. Various catalytic reforming and pyrolysis processes are commonly used to create the four chemicals simultaneously.
STRUCTURE OF XYLENE
There are three isomeric variants of xylene. The names ortho- (o-), meta- (m-), and para- (p-) identify these isomers by indicating which carbon atoms (of the benzene ring) the two methyl groups are connected to. The o-isomer is 1,2-dimethylbenzene, the m-isomer is 1,3-dimethylbenzene, and the p-isomer is 1,4-dimethylbenzene, as determined by counting the carbon atoms around the ring starting from one of the ring carbons bound to a methyl group and counting towards the second methyl group. Because it may be oxidized to terephthalic acid, the p-isomer is the most industrially desired of the three isomers.
PRODUCTION OF XYLENE
Auguste Cahours (1813–1891), a French scientist, isolated and called xylene in 1850 after discovering it as a constituent of wood tar.
Xylenes are a type of petrochemical that is created via catalytic reforming and coal carbonisation in the production of coke fuel. They can also be found in crude oil in amounts ranging from 0.5 to 1%, depending on the source. Small amounts can be found in gasoline and aviation fuels.Xylenes are primarily produced as part of the BTX aromatics (benzene, toluene, and xylenes), which are extracted from the reformate product of catalytic reforming. Annually, many million tonnes are manufactured.In 2011, a worldwide partnership started building in Singapore on one of the world’s largest xylene facilities.
Chemical reaction of XYLENE
PROPERTIES OF XYLENE
USES OF XYLENE
Xylene is used by many businesses, especially in low-income areas. In addition to being a basic raw component in numerous sectors, it is used as a solvent and fuel. Some firms have figured out how to use it as an alternate energy source.
1. Xylene is a flammable liquid that is extensively used in industry. It can be used as a fuel on its own or in combination with gasoline to make gasoline and xylene mixes. When pure xylene is burned, an empty fuel tank is left behind, which can then be filled with gas. This is advantageous in instances where fuel storage capacity is restricted, such as aboard a military vehicle or a commercial aircraft.
2. Companies in underdeveloped nations may rely on xylene as a cost-effective solvent for extracting compounds and creating solvents .It’s also simple to dispose of or process, and when burned or handled with other chemicals, it doesn’t produce harmful byproducts. Xylene is also easy to handle and transport, making it an excellent raw material for various applications.
3. While xylene is most commonly found in industrial settings, numerous countries are developing alternative energy sources that use it instead of gasoline.
4. Xylene is used in several industries to dissolve or transport other chemicals. It may be used to create everything from medications to adhesives as a solvent. It’s also found in a variety of paints and coatings. It is blended with gasoline or used alone as a fuel to power machines such as cars and trucks.
CONCLUSION
Xylene is combustible at room temperature, but not at low temperatures. It’s used to dissolve and wash away other chemicals in a variety of industries, making it a useful tool for chemists, cleaners, manicurists, and artists.It’s also hazardous to people and can cause harm if inhaled or consumed in high quantities. When working with xylene, always wear the appropriate safety equipment.
