1. What Is Mixed Xylene?
Mixed Xylene is a C8 aromatic hydrocarbon mixture containing mainly the three xylene isomers-m-xylene, p-xylene, and o-xylene-with ethylbenzene and other minor hydrocarbons present depending on the production source and grade. Mixed Xylene is commonly identified by CAS No. 1330-20-7 and EC No. 215-535-7.
If you are researching what is mixed xylene, it is important to distinguish it from the individual xylene isomers. Unlike pure m-xylene, p-xylene, or o-xylene, commercial mixed xylenes are supplied as a C8 aromatic blend whose composition varies according to refinery process conditions and downstream separation.
Mixed Xylene Composition
Mixed xylene composition varies by refinery source and product grade, so buyers should use the supplier's COA or specification sheet rather than assume a fixed isomer ratio.
| Component | CAS No. | Typical Presence |
|---|---|---|
| m-Xylene | 108-38-3 | Major component |
| p-Xylene | 106-42-3 | Major component |
| o-Xylene | 95-47-6 | Major component |
| Ethylbenzene | 100-41-4 | Often present |
| Other hydrocarbons | - | Grade-dependent |
The three xylene isomers have the same molecular formula, C₈H₁₀, but differ in the position of the methyl groups on the benzene ring. PubChem identifies CAS 1330-20-7 specifically with mixed xylene isomers and distinguishes it from the individual CAS numbers for o-, m-, and p-xylene.
For buyers searching for xylene mixed isomers, the key point is that the product is a mixture rather than a single purified xylene isomer. The actual composition should therefore be confirmed by GC analysis or the supplier's COA.
CAS Number and HS Code
Mixed Xylene is commonly identified by CAS No. 1330-20-7, while the six-digit HS code for mixed xylene isomers is 2902.44 under the Harmonized System.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Mixed Xylene / Mixed Xylenes |
| CAS No. | 1330-20-7 |
| EC No. | 215-535-7 |
| Molecular Formula | C₈H₁₀ |
| HS Code | 2902.44 |
| UN No. | 1307 |
Important: HS classifications can have additional country-specific digits, so the final tariff code should be confirmed with the customs authority or customs broker in the importing and exporting countries.
2. Mixed Xylene Physical and Chemical Properties
Mixed Xylene is a clear, volatile, flammable aromatic liquid whose exact physical properties depend on the proportions of its isomers and other components. PubChem describes mixed xylene isomers as a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor, low water solubility, and a density of about 0.864 g/cm³ at 20 °C.
| Property | Typical Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Odor | Characteristic aromatic odor |
| Molecular Formula | C₈H₁₀ |
| Molecular Weight | 106.16 g/mol |
| Density at 20 °C | About 0.86–0.88 g/cm³ |
| Boiling Range | Typically around 136–145 °C, depending on composition |
| Flash Point | Approximately 25 °C, depending on composition |
| Water Solubility | Low / practically insoluble |
| Vapor Pressure | Approximately several mmHg at room temperature |
| Solubility | Soluble in many organic solvents |
Key Chemical Characteristics
The main chemical value of mixed xylene comes from its aromatic solvency and its role as a feedstock for downstream chemical processing.
Mixed xylene is compatible with many organic solvents and is widely used where a relatively strong aromatic solvent is required. It can also undergo reactions such as nitration, sulfonation, and oxidation under appropriate process conditions.
The individual isomers have different downstream applications. o-Xylene is mainly associated with phthalic anhydride production, p-xylene with terephthalic acid and polyester chains, and m-xylene with isophthalic acid production.
Because mixed xylene contains several isomers, it is generally less suitable than purified individual isomers when a downstream process requires a tightly controlled single-isomer feedstock.
3. Industrial Uses of Mixed Xylene
Mixed Xylene is widely used as an industrial solvent and as a C8 aromatic feedstock for chemical manufacturing.
3.1 Mixed Xylene as an Industrial Solvent
As a solvent, mixed xylene is valued for its ability to dissolve many resins, oils, waxes, and other organic materials.
Typical applications include:
- Paints and coatings
- Printing inks
- Adhesives
- Rubber and elastomer processing
- Industrial cleaners and degreasers
- Pesticide formulations
- Synthetic resin systems
Mixed xylene is used in solvent blends where its solvency and evaporation characteristics fit the formulation. Actual performance depends on the resin system, formulation, temperature, and the composition of the xylene grade.
Solvent Compatibility
Mixed Xylene is compatible with many common organic solvents but has very low miscibility with water.
| Solvent | Compatibility | Typical Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Acetone | Compatible | Used in solvent blends |
| Toluene | Compatible | Common aromatic solvent blend |
| Ethanol | Generally compatible | Check formulation-specific behavior |
| Hexane / Heptane | Compatible | Can alter evaporation and flash characteristics |
| Mineral Spirits | Compatible | Used in selected solvent systems |
| Water | Poorly soluble | Phase separation occurs |
4. Mixed Xylene as a Chemical Feedstock
Mixed Xylene serves as an upstream C8 aromatic feedstock from which individual xylene isomers and downstream aromatic chemicals can be produced.
The three major isomers have different commercial pathways:
o-Xylene
o-Xylene is primarily used as a feedstock for phthalic anhydride production.
Phthalic anhydride is subsequently used in the manufacture of plasticizers, alkyd resins, unsaturated polyester resins, and other chemical products.
p-Xylene
p-Xylene is an important feedstock for terephthalic acid and dimethyl terephthalate production.
These intermediates are used in polyester fiber, PET resin, and polyester film production.
m-Xylene
m-Xylene is used as a feedstock for isophthalic acid and related aromatic intermediates.
Isophthalic acid is used in polyester resins, coatings, and other applications where specific resin performance is required.
This distinction is important for procurement because a solvent-grade mixed xylene and an isomer-grade C8 aromatic feedstock may have very different specifications and commercial value.
5. Mixed Xylene for Gasoline Blending
Mixed Xylene can be used as a high-octane aromatic blending component in gasoline, although its use is subject to fuel specifications and regional regulations.
Individual xylene isomers have relatively high research octane numbers, and xylenes are recognized as aromatic components of gasoline. Published data show RON values above 110 for several xylene isomers, although the actual blending value of a commercial mixed-xylene stream depends on its composition and the base fuel.
Therefore, it is better to describe mixed xylene as a potential high-octane blending component rather than assign one universal RON value to every mixed xylene product.
6. Mixed Xylene Grades and Specifications
Mixed Xylene grades are differentiated mainly by purity, isomer distribution, non-aromatic content, and the requirements of the intended application.
Common commercial categories may include:
Solvent Grade
Solvent-grade mixed xylene is primarily intended for paints, coatings, inks, adhesives, cleaning formulations, and other industrial solvent applications.
The specification normally focuses on parameters such as distillation range, aromatic content, non-aromatics, color, sulfur, water, and other impurities.
Nitration Grade
Nitration-grade xylene is designed for applications requiring controlled composition and impurity levels for chemical processing.
The exact requirements should be confirmed against the applicable customer or industry specification rather than assumed from a generic grade name.
Isomer-Feed Grade
Isomer-feed mixed xylene is selected for downstream separation or conversion into purified xylene isomers.
For this application, the relative concentrations of m-, p-, and o-xylene and the levels of ethylbenzene and other impurities become particularly important.
Typical Parameters Buyers Should Check
When purchasing mixed xylene, buyers should compare the supplier's actual COA against the required specification rather than rely only on the product name or grade.
| Parameter | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Total Xylenes | Indicates aromatic product content |
| m-/p-/o-Xylene Distribution | Important for downstream processing |
| Ethylbenzene | Can affect downstream separation and product performance |
| Non-Aromatics | Important for solvent and process performance |
| Distillation Range | Helps verify product consistency |
| Density | Useful for quality control and logistics |
| Color | Important for selected solvent applications |
| Sulfur | Relevant to sensitive processes |
| Water | Important for formulation and processing |
| Flash Point | Important for handling and transport |
ASTM methods can be useful for characterization, but the specific test method should match the product specification. For example, ASTM D5134-21(2025) is an active method for detailed analysis of petroleum naphthas by capillary GC, while ASTM D2306 for C8 aromatic isomer distribution has been withdrawn.
This is one reason it is better not to present a long list of ASTM numbers as universally applicable to every commercial mixed xylene product.
7. Mixed Xylene Safety, Handling and Storage
Mixed Xylene is a flammable aromatic solvent, so ventilation, ignition-source control, grounding, and appropriate PPE are essential during handling and storage.
Handling
Bulk handling should minimize vapor release and prevent contact with ignition sources.
Recommended practices include:
- Use local exhaust ventilation where vapor may accumulate.
- Keep away from flames, sparks, and hot surfaces.
- Use suitable chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection.
- Avoid prolonged skin contact.
- Use closed transfer systems where practical.
- Bond and ground equipment during bulk transfer to control static electricity.
Storage
Mixed Xylene should be stored in tightly closed, compatible containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources and incompatible materials.
Storage conditions should always follow the supplier's current SDS because container compatibility, temperature limits, segregation requirements, and local regulations can vary.
8. How to Buy Mixed Xylene
The most important factors when buying mixed xylene are product grade, composition, specification, quantity, packaging, destination, and the supplier's COA and SDS.
Before requesting a quotation, buyers should specify:
- Product: Mixed Xylene / Mixed Xylenes
- CAS: 1330-20-7
- Grade: Solvent, industrial, or other required grade
- Quantity: kg, metric tons, FCL, bulk, etc.
- Required specification: especially total xylenes, isomer distribution, ethylbenzene, non-aromatics, water, and distillation range
- Packaging: drums, IBC, flexitank, ISO tank, or bulk shipment
- Destination: port or delivery location
- Required documents: COA, SDS, TDS and other export documents where applicable
For procurement, the COA is particularly important because mixed xylene composition can vary between suppliers and production streams even when the products share the same CAS number.
9. Mixed Xylene vs. Individual Xylene Isomers
Mixed Xylene differs from o-xylene, m-xylene, and p-xylene because it is a blend rather than a purified single isomer.
| Product | CAS No. | Main Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed Xylene | 1330-20-7 | Mixture of xylene isomers |
| o-Xylene | 95-47-6 | Individual xylene isomer |
| m-Xylene | 108-38-3 | Individual xylene isomer |
| p-Xylene | 106-42-3 | Individual xylene isomer |
This distinction matters when purchasing because a specification designed for one isomer cannot automatically be applied to mixed xylene.
10. Frequently Asked Questions About Mixed Xylene
Q: What is mixed xylene?
A: Mixed xylene is a mixture of three xylene isomers (ortho-, meta-, para-xylene) and ethylbenzene, with CAS number 1330-20-7. It is a colorless, flammable liquid widely used as an industrial solvent and petrochemical feedstock.
Q: Is mixed xylene the same as xylene?
A: No. "Xylene" refers to a single isomer (e.g., meta-xylene), while "mixed xylene" is a blend of all three isomers plus ethylbenzene. Mixed xylene is less refined and typically less expensive.
Q: What is the chemical symbol for xylene mixed isomers?
A: The chemical formula is C8H10. Mixed xylene consists of three dimethylbenzene isomers and ethylbenzene, represented collectively as C8H10.
Q: What is mixed xylene made of?
A: Mixed xylene typically contains 15-25% o-xylene, 40-50% m-xylene, 15-25% p-xylene, and 10-20% ethylbenzene. Exact ratios vary by source and grade.
Q: Where can I find mixed xylene SDS?
A: Please contact us to request the complete Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) for mixed xylene. We can provide the relevant SDS, hazard classification, and handling information based on your requirements.
