No. Dimethylbenzene is a general chemical name for benzene compounds with two methyl groups, while o-Xylene is one specific type of dimethylbenzene. o-Xylene is also known as 1,2-dimethylbenzene, with CAS 95-47-6 and molecular formula C₈H₁₀.
Dimethylbenzene has three isomers: o-Xylene, m-Xylene, and p-Xylene. They have the same formula, C₈H₁₀, but differ in the position of the two methyl groups.
What Is Dimethylbenzene?
Dimethylbenzene refers to benzene compounds containing two methyl groups attached to the aromatic ring. Depending on the positions of the two methyl groups, dimethylbenzene exists as three positional isomers: o-Xylene, m-Xylene, and p-Xylene.
All three have the same molecular formula, C₈H₁₀, and the same molecular weight of approximately 106.16 g/mol. The difference is the position of the methyl groups on the benzene ring.
The three isomers are:
- o-Xylene: 1,2-dimethylbenzene, CAS 95-47-6
- m-Xylene: 1,3-dimethylbenzene, CAS 108-38-3
- p-Xylene: 1,4-dimethylbenzene, CAS 106-42-3
Therefore, o-Xylene is a dimethylbenzene, but dimethylbenzene does not necessarily mean o-Xylene.
Is o-Xylene the Same as Dimethylbenzene?
o-Xylene and 1,2-dimethylbenzene are the same chemical compound, but "dimethylbenzene" by itself is not specific enough to identify o-Xylene.
For example, when a specification states 1,2-dimethylbenzene or o-Xylene, CAS 95-47-6, the product identity is clear. PubChem and NIST both list 1,2-dimethylbenzene as a synonym for o-Xylene.
However, if a buyer simply asks for dimethylbenzene, the supplier should confirm which isomer is required.
This distinction matters because the three isomers have different physical properties and downstream applications.
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What Is the Difference Between o-Xylene, m-Xylene and p-Xylene?
The main difference is the position of the two methyl groups on the benzene ring.
| Product | Systematic Name | CAS Number | Methyl Group Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| o-Xylene | 1,2-Dimethylbenzene | 95-47-6 | 1,2 |
| m-Xylene | 1,3-Dimethylbenzene | 108-38-3 | 1,3 |
| p-Xylene | 1,4-Dimethylbenzene | 106-42-3 | 1,4 |
Although the molecular formula is identical, the different molecular structures give the three isomers different physical properties and industrial uses.
For o-Xylene specifically, PubChem lists the molecular formula as C₈H₁₀, molecular weight as 106.16 g/mol, and CAS number as 95-47-6. NIOSH identifies it as 1,2-dimethylbenzene and reports a boiling point of about 292°F (144°C) and a specific gravity of approximately 0.88.
Is Dimethylbenzene the Same as Mixed Xylene?
No. Dimethylbenzene and mixed xylene should not be treated as interchangeable product descriptions.
The term dimethylbenzene describes the chemical structure shared by the three xylene isomers. Mixed xylene, on the other hand, generally refers to a commercial mixture containing two or more xylene isomers, often together with ethylbenzene and other hydrocarbons.
This difference is important for industrial purchasing.
If a production process requires a defined single isomer such as o-Xylene CAS 95-47-6, a mixed-xylene product should not be substituted without checking the required composition and obtaining technical approval.
What Is o-Xylene Used For?
o-Xylene is primarily used as an industrial chemical feedstock and solvent, with phthalic anhydride production being one of its major downstream applications.
It is used as a raw material for producing phthalic anhydride, which is further used in areas such as plasticizers, alkyd resins and coatings.
o-Xylene can also be used as an aromatic solvent in certain industrial formulations. Whether it is suitable for a particular formulation depends on the required purity, solvent properties, regulatory requirements and the customer's process.
The appropriate grade should therefore be selected according to the actual application rather than the product name alone.
What Should Buyers Check When Purchasing o-Xylene?
Buyers should confirm the CAS number and product specification before placing an order for o-Xylene.
For industrial procurement, the following information is useful:
- Product name: o-Xylene / 1,2-Dimethylbenzene
- CAS No.: 95-47-6
- Purity or assay
- Isomer composition
- Ethylbenzene content, if relevant
- Water content
- Color and other specification limits
- Packaging requirement
- Order quantity
- Destination
- Required documents, such as COA, SDS or TDS
For larger-volume purchases, the supplier and buyer should also confirm packaging, transportation requirements, delivery terms and the specification against the buyer's production process.
FAQ
Is o-Xylene another name for 1,2-Dimethylbenzene?
Yes. o-Xylene is the common name for 1,2-dimethylbenzene. Both refer to CAS 95-47-6.
Is dimethylbenzene another name for o-Xylene?
Not exactly. Dimethylbenzene is a broader structural description that includes o-Xylene, m-Xylene and p-Xylene. o-Xylene specifically refers to the 1,2-isomer.
Does o-Xylene have the same formula as m-Xylene and p-Xylene?
Yes. All three xylene isomers have the molecular formula C₈H₁₀, but the positions of their methyl groups are different.
Is o-Xylene the same as mixed xylene?
No. o-Xylene is a specific single isomer, while mixed xylene is a mixture of xylene isomers and potentially other aromatic components. The composition should be checked on the product specification or COA.
Request a Xylene Quote
Industrial buyers looking for o-Xylene, m-Xylene, p-Xylene or mixed xylene can contact Tianjin Gnee Biotech Co., Ltd. with the product name, CAS number, required specification, quantity, packaging, destination and preferred delivery terms. We can check product availability and shipping requirements based on your order details.
For inquiries, please contact Tianjin Gnee Biotech Co., Ltd.
