What is xylene found in

The flashpoint of any volatile liquid is the lowest possible temperature wherein its vapour can be ignited by an ignition source, like a flame from a candle.

The chemical formula of xylene is CH 3 2 C 6 H 4 , and this is the same for all the three isomers. Each isomer molecule has a benzene ring and two methyl groups attached to it.

The main difference between the different chemical structures is the locations of the methyl groups, as illustrated in the diagram below:.

The designations ortho- o- , meta- m- and para- p- for xylene describe the location of the two methyl groups, i. From being used as precursors in the production of polyethylene terephthalate PET plastics to laboratory solvents for removing synthetic immersion oils from microscope objectives, xylenes have a wide range of industrial and commercial applications :.

Plastic bottles are commonly made from extruded or moulded polyethylene terephthalate PET. The plastic polymers and polyester fabrics are derived from terephthalic acid and dimethyl terephthalate monomers. The isomer 1,4-dimethylbenzene, a. About half of all the xylenes produced are used in the industrial production of plastics and polymer fabrics. For example, 1,2-dimethylbenzene, a. Xylenes are also used as solvents , and are most effective in this application when the isomers are mixed together.

When used as solvent, a small amount of ethylbenzene is also added into the mixture. This kind of solvent is colourless, highly flammable, and smells sweet. Xylene solvent is used in various industries such as printing, rubber manufacturing, and leather processing. As a nonpolar mixture, xylene solvent is also excellent at dissolving nonpolar substances such as paints and varnishes. If you need to slowly dry paint, xylene solvent can even be used as a substitute for toluene.

Xylene is used as a cleaning agent in a range of fields, from dentistry and electronics to the petroleum industry. Meanwhile, the petroleum industry uses xylene as a component of paraffin solvents for tubings that are clogged by paraffin wax.

Its effectiveness in dissolving wax also makes it a useful ingredient in cosmetic products for removing excessive ear wax or cerumen. Corrosion is a chemical reaction that causes the breakdown or formation of new compounds through oxidative processes. Corrosive substances cause corrosion or oxidation to occur in other substances, including metals and organic compounds or biological tissues.

Corrosive substances can be an element, like oxygen in O 3 i. On the other hand, they can be converted to acids, like monocarboxylic acids toluic acids , and dicarboxylic acids phthalic acids when oxidised, which are corrosive substances.

Like other hydrocarbons, xylenes are toxic and have several health hazards. If you inhale its vapours in small amounts, you may feel dizzy, nauseated, drowsy, and could develop a headache. If no medical attention is given, exposure to xylene vapours could even be fatal.

Additionally, liquid xylene can cause a painful burning sensation on the skin, and can damage the eyes if it makes contact. The vapours are also mildly irritating to the mucous membranes, eyes, lungs, and skin. Since one of the paraxylene uses includes the synthesis of PTA, it also serves to make other compounds such as cyclohexanedimethanol, terephthaloyl chloride and various other polymers. The continued versatility of paraxylene ensures its continued demand.

P-xylenesulfonic acid, also called 2,5-Dimethylbenzenesulfonic acid, is a sulfur compound containing xylene. It is listed as a sulfonic acid and is considered a biochemical. P-xylenesulfonic acid is soluble in ethanol. It is manufactured as a white crystalline powder. There are not many broad uses for p-xylenesulfonic acid. The chief use of p-xylenesulfonic acid is as a reagent to determine serum cholesterol levels.

While xylene serves many valuable uses across multiple industries, it comes with its own risks to those who work closely with this chemical compound. Children are more greatly affected by xylene than adults, so extraordinary care must be taken to prevent their exposure. The primary risks of xylene exposure include effects from inhalation or contact with the skin or eyes.

Xylene is not classified as a carcinogen. Xylene is considered a central nervous system depressant, meaning it slows down the central nervous system. Breathing in xylene can cause dizziness, nausea, fainting, headache and even vomiting. Visual impairment and difficulty may also result from xylene exposure.

Other drastic symptoms might include tremors, heart arrhythmias and pulmonary edema. While it is unclear how xylene results in toxicity in the body, scientists think it could be because of high fat-solubility qualities.

In this way it could be soluble with lipids in the membranes of neurons, and could affect neuronal proteins as a result. More research is needed to determine the method of toxicity. Xylene also poses risks to skin and eyes and is considered a skin irritant. The skin quickly absorbs it. Because xylene is so efficient at removing fats, any contact with the skin will have the same effect.

This can lead to drying and cracking of the skin and dermatitis. If xylene comes in contact with the eyes, it can damage the cornea. It is crucial to wear safety goggles when working with xylene.

Any ingestion by mouth should be taken very seriously as well by quickly obtaining medical aid. Longer exposure to xylene yields greater risk. Even smelling it can affect major organs. The best protective measures you can take around xylene are to work in a properly ventilated environment, such as a hood that vents quickly outside the area; a respirator mask as needed; and to wear proper protective eye goggles, gloves, protective clothes and aprons.

Exposed individuals should be removed from the contamination, and medical assistance should be sought. Because xylene is heavier than air, it can reside in pockets near the ground. Therefore it is wise to remove persons from low-lying areas near the xylene contamination.

Also, any xylene vapor trapped in clothing can affect helpers. Those who work regularly with xylene should be given routine medical examinations, and have body fluids monitored.

Always review material safety data sheets in areas that use xylene and other powerful chemicals. She spent nine years working in laboratory and clinical research.

A lifelong writer, Dianne is also a content manager and science fiction and fantasy novelist. Dianne features science as well as writing topics on her website, jdiannedotson.

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