Ortoxylol also known as orthoxylene or o-xylene, is a colorless liquid organic compound with a sweet odor. It is one of the three isomers of xylene, the other two being meta-xylene and para-xylene. Orthoxylene is used primarily as a raw material in the production of phthalic anhydride, which is used to make polyester resins, plasticizers, and other industrial chemicals.
Orthoxylene is also used as a solvent in the production of paints, varnishes, and coatings, as well as in the manufacture of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and perfumes. It is also used as a chemical intermediate in the production of other organic compounds, such as benzoic acid, terephthalic acid, and dimethyl terephthalate. Additionally, it is used as a fuel additive to increase the octane number of gasoline.
It is flammable, requires proper storage and handling.
It is classified as moderately hazardous — Hazard Class 3 substances.
1. | Visual appearance | Transparent liquid without mechanical additives |
2. | Density at 20ºС, g/cm3 | 0,876 — 0,884 |
3. | Mass fraction of main substance, %, min | 96,0 |
4. | Solidification temperature, °C | −23 |
5. | Boiling point, °C | +144 |
6. | Flash point TVZ, °C | +32 |