o-Xylene is a specific isomer of xylene, while "xylene" can refer to the broader group of xylene isomers or, in commercial use, to a mixed xylene product. Both have the molecular formula C₈H₁₀, but they are not necessarily the same chemical product.
Tianjin Gnee Biotech Co., Ltd. supplies o-Xylene and other industrial chemical raw materials. For buyers searching for xylene or o-Xylene, knowing the difference between these products is important when checking specifications, applications, and product documents.
Is o-Xylene the Same as Xylene?
o-Xylene is one of the three main xylene isomers, rather than a different chemical family. The three isomers are o-Xylene (ortho-xylene), m-Xylene (meta-xylene), and p-Xylene (para-xylene), and all have the same molecular formula, C₈H₁₀.
The term "xylene" does not always identify a single isomer. In technical discussions, it may refer to the xylene family as a whole, while commercial buyers may use "xylene" when referring to a mixed xylene solvent.
o-Xylene has its own chemical identity and CAS number. Its CAS number is 95-47-6, and its systematic chemical name is 1,2-Dimethylbenzene.
Xylene vs. o-Xylene: What Is the Difference?
The main difference between xylene and o-Xylene is that xylene can be a general term, while o-Xylene identifies one specific isomer.
| Property | Xylene | o-Xylene |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | General term for xylene products or isomers | Specific xylene isomer |
| Molecular formula | C₈H₁₀ | C₈H₁₀ |
| CAS number | Depends on the product | 95-47-6 |
| Isomer | May refer to o-, m-, or p-Xylene | Ortho-xylene |
| Chemical name | Xylene | 1,2-Dimethylbenzene |
| Typical use | Depends on grade and composition | Chemical intermediate and selected solvent applications |
What Is o-Xylene?
o-Xylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon with two methyl groups attached to adjacent carbon atoms on a benzene ring. It is also called ortho-xylene or 1,2-dimethylbenzene.
o-Xylene has the CAS number 95-47-6 and the molecular formula C₈H₁₀. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a boiling point of about 144.4°C, a melting point of about −25.2°C, and a density of about 0.88 g/cm³.
The structure of o-Xylene affects where it is used in industry. Its properties allow it to function both as an aromatic solvent and as a feedstock for further chemical processing.
View Detailed o-Xylene Product Information
What Is Mixed Xylene?
Mixed Xylene is a commercial mixture of xylene isomers rather than a single pure isomer. It generally contains different proportions of o-Xylene, m-Xylene, and p-Xylene, while the exact composition depends on the grade and source.
Mixed Xylene is commonly used as an industrial solvent. Paints, coatings, adhesives, printing inks, and some industrial cleaning processes may use mixed xylene where an aromatic solvent is required.
Mixed Xylene and o-Xylene also have different CAS numbers. Mixed Xylene is commonly identified by CAS 1330-20-7, while o-Xylene is identified by CAS 95-47-6.
View Detailed mixed xylene Product Information
How Are Xylene and o-Xylene Used Differently?
Xylene applications depend largely on whether the product is a mixed solvent or a specific xylene isomer.
o-Xylene is particularly important as a chemical feedstock for phthalic anhydride production. Phthalic anhydride is then used in downstream products such as plasticizers and alkyd or unsaturated polyester resins. o-Xylene can also be used as a solvent in selected paints, varnishes, and printing inks.
View o-Xylene Applications by Industry
Mixed Xylene is more often purchased as a general-purpose industrial solvent. Its use in paints, coatings, adhesives, and inks depends on the solvent requirements and the composition of the particular grade.
Why Does the Difference Between Xylene and o-Xylene Matter?
The difference matters because mixed xylene and o-Xylene can have different compositions, specifications, and industrial applications. A product suitable for a general solvent application may not be suitable when a specific xylene isomer is required.
Product identification is especially important when purchasing xylene for industrial production. Buyers should check the CAS number and product specification instead of relying only on the name "xylene."
How Can Buyers Identify the Right Xylene Product?
The CAS number, composition, purity, and intended application are the main details buyers should check before purchasing xylene.
For o-Xylene, buyers should confirm CAS 95-47-6, the required purity, and the relevant product specification.
For Mixed Xylene, buyers should check CAS 1330-20-7, the isomer composition, and any limits for components such as ethylbenzene or toluene when these are relevant to the application.
COA, SDS, and TDS documents can help buyers verify the product before placing an order. These documents provide the specifications needed to compare the offered material with the requirements of the production process.
o-Xylene and Xylene Supplier
Tianjin Gnee Biotech Co., Ltd. supplies o-Xylene and other chemical raw materials for industrial applications. Buyers can confirm the CAS number, specification, packaging, and available documentation according to their application requirements.
For detailed product information, specifications, and sourcing inquiries, contact Tianjin Gnee Biotech Co., Ltd.
