Mixed Xylene (MX)

Mixed Xylene is a slightly greasy, colorless, flammable liquid with a distinctive sweet odor which is commonly encountered as a solvent.

Mixed Xylene is a mixture of three different forms (isomers) of Xylenes (meta-xylene, ortho-xylene, and para-xylene) and Ethylbenzene. The Ethylbenzene content of Xylene is typically less than 20 % (m/m). The distribution of isomers in Xylene varies.

Xylenes are important petrochemical produced by catalytic reforming and also by coal carbonization in the manufacture of coke fuel.

Mixed Xylenes also occur in crude oil in concentrations of about 0.5–1%, depending on the source. Small quantities of Mixed Xylene occur in Gasoline and aircraft fuels.

Xylenes are produced mainly as part of the BTX aromatics (Benzene, Toluene, and Xylenes) extracted from the product of catalytic reforming.

Xylene occurs naturally, but it is primarily a man-made chemical. Most commonly, Mixed Xylenes is manufactured from components isolated from crude oil in the petroleum industry, although it may also be isolated directly from crude oil.

Applications:

The most important application of Mixed Xylene is to separate different isomers of Xylene, i.e. para-xylene, ortho-xylene and meta-xylene.

Specific isomers of Xylene are used as a raw material in manufacturing industrial chemicals. Ortho-xylene is primarily used to manufacture Phthalic Anhydride (PTA). Para-xylene is used as starting material to manufacture chemicals which are used to make Polyester fibers and Polyethylene Terephthalate PET (bottling and packaging), PVC Plasticizer and surface coating.

Mixed Xylene is present in Gasoline and is a component of some solvents. Mixed Xylene due to its high-Octane number and low vapor pressure, is a great compound for blending with Gasoline. As a solvent, Mixed Xylene are used in some paints and coating applications.

Xylene is used to produce many consumer products. Consumer products that may contain Xylene include Gasoline, some glues and adhesives, varnishes, rubber, printing inks, paints, and paint thinners.

Safety:

Mixed Xylene is classified as a flammable liquid. Mixed Xylene vapors are heavier than air. Mixed Xylene when released as a liquid, will float on water. Care must be taken to prevent ignition of Xylene vapors, even at normal temperatures.

Handling and Storage:

Avoid breathing vapors or contact with Mixed Xylene. Avoid contact of Xylene with skin, eyes, and clothing. Do not use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling Mixed Xylene. Handling Temperature of Xylene is ambient.

Mixed Xylene must be stored in a bunded, well-ventilated area, away from sunlight, ignition sources and other sources of heat. Keep Mixed Xylene away from aerosols, flammables, oxidizing agents and corrosives.