Product brief introduction
High-Purity Mixed Xylene (MX) – The Versatile Aromatic Solvent for Premium Applications
Shandong RuiShuang Chemical offers premium Mixed Xylene (CAS: 1330-20-7) with high purity and consistent isomer composition. This medium-evaporating aromatic hydrocarbon solvent is essential for paints, coatings, printing inks, adhesives, and industrial thinners. An ideal choice for applications requiring excellent solvency and controlled evaporation. Available in industrial grade with ISO tank and drum packaging.
Product overview
Xylene, also known as Dimethylbenzene or Mixed Xylene (MX), with the molecular formula C₈H₁₀ and CAS number 1330-20-7, is a clear, colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor . As one of the most important aromatic hydrocarbon solvents, xylene is produced primarily from catalytic reforming of naphtha or from the disproportionation and transalkylation of toluene . With a boiling point of 137-140°C and a flash point of approximately 25°C, it is classified as a Class 3 flammable liquid (UN 1307) . Xylene exists as three isomeric forms-ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene-with mixed xylene being the commercial blend of these isomers . Its excellent solvency for a wide range of resins, paints, and polymers, combined with its controlled evaporation rate, makes it indispensable across coatings, printing inks, adhesives, industrial cleaning, and as a critical feedstock for PTA, polyester fiber, and phthalic anhydride production .
Product detail description
What is Mixed Xylene and Why Is It a Solvent of Choice?
In the extensive world of aromatic hydrocarbon solvents, few compounds match the versatility and market significance of Mixed Xylene. Commonly known as MX, mixed xylene serves as a premier solvent for numerous industrial applications, while also functioning as a critical chemical feedstock for producing PTA, polyester fibers, and phthalic anhydride . Its unique balance of solvency power, evaporation rate, and compatibility with various resin systems makes it indispensable for paints, coatings, printing inks, and adhesives .
At Shandong RuiShuang Chemical, we understand that what is xylene extends far beyond its chemical identity. For coatings formulators, paint manufacturers, and industrial chemists, xylene represents a reliable, high-performance solvent that enables superior application properties and finish quality. Our role as a trusted xylene supplier is to ensure that this essential aromatic solvent reaches you with consistent specifications, backed by stable supply chains and professional hazardous material handling expertise.
Key Properties of High-Purity Mixed Xylene
| Property | Typical Value | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | ≥99.0% (mixed xylenes) | Ensures consistent solvency performance; minimizes impurities that could affect coating appearance or reaction yields . |
| Appearance | Clear, Colorless Liquid | Indicates absence of contaminants or degradation products . |
| Water Content | ≤0.03% (300 ppm) | Critical for moisture-sensitive applications; prevents defects in coating films and side reactions . |
| Isomer Distribution | o-Xylene: ~20%, m-Xylene: ~40-50%, p-Xylene: ~20% | Affects solvency characteristics and suitability for specific applications . |
| Non-Volatile Matter | ≤0.002% | Guarantees clean evaporation without leaving residues-essential for high-gloss coatings . |
| Boiling Range | 137-140°C | Medium-high boiling point provides balanced evaporation for proper flow and leveling . |
| Flash Point | ~25°C (Closed Cup) | Flammable; dictates handling, storage, and transportation protocols (UN 1307) . |
| Evaporation Rate (n-BuAc=1) | ~0.7-0.8 | Medium evaporation rate provides extended open time compared to lower-boiling solvents . |
| Density | 0.86-0.87 g/mL at 20°C | Affects volumetric calculations for formulation and shipping . |
| Vapor Pressure | 6-8 mmHg at 20°C | Moderate vapor pressure requires adequate ventilation during use . |
The Three Isomers of Xylene and Their Unique Applications
Understanding the xylene isomer distribution is essential for proper application selection:
| Isomer | Typical Content in MX | Primary Applications |
|---|---|---|
| ortho-Xylene (OX) | ~20% | o-Xylene for phthalic anhydride (PA) production; PA used for plasticizers (DOP, DINP) and polyester resins |
| meta-Xylene (MX) | 40-50% | m-Xylene for isophthalic acid (IPA) ; IPA used in unsaturated polyester resins, coatings, and adhesives |
| para-Xylene (PX) | ~20% | p-Xylene for PTA production; PTA is the key raw material for polyester fiber and PET resin |
p-Xylene - The Polyester Industry's Backbone:
p-Xylene for PTA production accounts for the largest volume use of xylene isomers globally
PTA (Purified Terephthalic Acid) is produced via oxidation of p-xylene
PTA is then reacted with ethylene glycol to produce PET (polyethylene terephthalate) for polyester fibers, bottles, and films
o-Xylene - The Plasticizer Feedstock:
o-Xylene for phthalic anhydride is the primary route for PA production
Phthalic anhydride is the key raw material for plasticizers like DOP, DINP, and DIDP
Enables flexible PVC applications in cables, flooring, and automotive interiors
m-Xylene - Specialty Resin Component:
m-Xylene for isophthalic acid produces IPA, which improves resin properties
IPA is used in high-performance unsaturated polyester resins for marine and automotive applications
Provides enhanced corrosion resistance and thermal stability
The Diverse Applications of Mixed Xylene Across Industries
| Industry Sector | Primary Application | Why Xylene? |
|---|---|---|
| Paints & Coatings | Solvent for Alkyd, Epoxy, and Polyurethane Coatings | Xylene for paints and coatings provides excellent flow, leveling, and gloss; controls evaporation for proper film formation . |
| Printing Inks | Solvent for High-Quality Inks | Xylene for printing inks dissolves alkyd and phenolic resins; provides good solvent release and wetting properties . |
| Adhesives | Solvent for Rubber-Based Adhesives | Xylene for adhesives dissolves natural rubber, SBR, and polychloroprene; provides controlled evaporation for bonding . |
| Industrial Thinners | Paint Thinner and Reducer | Xylene for thinners adjusts viscosity of paints; cleaning of application equipment |
| Industrial Cleaning | Degreasing Solvent | Xylene for industrial cleaning removes oils, greases, and residues from metal parts . |
| Gasoline Blending | Octane Booster | Xylene for gasoline blending increases octane rating in gasoline formulations . |
| Rubber Industry | Processing Solvent | Xylene for rubber industry dissolves rubber compounds and serves as a processing aid . |
| Chemical Synthesis | Feedstock for PX, OX, MX | p-Xylene for polyester fiber, o-Xylene for phthalic anhydride, m-Xylene for isophthalic acid . |
Xylene in Paints and Coatings: The Premium Solvent
The coatings industry represents one of the largest markets for xylene solvent, where it is essential for achieving high-quality finishes:
Why Xylene is Preferred in Coatings:
Excellent Solvency: Dissolves alkyd resins, epoxies, polyurethanes, and acrylics effectively
Controlled Evaporation: Medium evaporation rate allows proper flow and leveling before film setting
High Gloss Development: Xylene-based formulations produce coatings with excellent gloss and appearance
Good Wetting Properties: Provides excellent substrate wetting for uniform coverage
Applications:
Architectural Coatings: Oil-based paints, varnishes, and stains
Industrial Coatings: Equipment, machinery, and structural steel finishes
Automotive Coatings: Primers, basecoats, and clear coats
Marine Coatings: Anti-corrosion coatings for ships and offshore structures
Protective Coatings: High-performance coatings for demanding environments
Xylene vs Toluene for Coatings:
| Property | Xylene | Toluene |
|---|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 137-140°C | 110°C |
| Flash Point | ~25°C | 4°C |
| Evaporation Rate | Medium | Fast |
| Open Time | Extended | Short |
| Solvency | Excellent for alkyds/epoxies | Good for many resins |
Xylene in Printing Inks and Adhesives
Xylene for printing inks and adhesives is critical for high-quality, consistent performance:
Printing Ink Applications:
Gravure Inks: Xylene provides excellent solvent release for rotogravure printing
Screen Printing Inks: Offers good flow and leveling for screen-printed graphics
Packaging Inks: Dissolves resins for high-quality printing on various substrates
Adhesive Applications:
Contact Adhesives: Xylene dissolves rubber-based adhesives for strong, flexible bonds
Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives: Uses xylene for viscosity control and coating
Why Choose Shandong RuiShuang Chemical as Your Xylene Supplier?
1.Strategic Partnerships with Leading Manufacturers:
Our long-standing with top-tier Chinese petrochemical companies ensures priority access to high purity mixed xylene from reputable mixed xylene manufacturers. We leverage these relationships to secure competitive pricing and reliable allocation even during market tightness.
2.Comprehensive Quality Assurance:
We understand that industrial grade xylene for coatings, adhesives, and other applications requires rigorous quality control. Every shipment is tested to meet specifications for purity (≥99.0%), water content, non-volatile matter, and isomer distribution. Certificates of Analysis (COA) accompany all deliveries, ensuring full traceability.
3.Specialized Flammable Liquid Logistics:
Xylene requires specialized handling throughout the supply chain. Our integrated logistics system is designed specifically for Class 3 flammable liquid transport:
Xylene ISO tank containers for efficient bulk transport (20-24 MT) for UN 1307 compliance
Xylene drums (180kg/55-gallon steel drums) for smaller volume requirements
Xylene bulk tanker deliveries for large industrial consumers
Experienced carriers certified for flammable materials
Compliance with international shipping regulations (IMDG, IATA, ADR)
4.Flexible Supply Solutions:
We recognize that different customers have different volume requirements:
MX spot cargo for immediate needs
Contract supply for predictable pricing and volume security
Warehouse storage for just-in-time delivery
Custom packaging options tailored to your receiving capabilities
5.Technical Expertise and Application Support:
The successful use of xylene requires understanding its unique properties and formulation requirements. Our team possesses deep technical knowledge to guide customers on:
Xylene vs toluene selection for specific applications
Isomer composition and its impact on performance
Regulatory compliance across different jurisdictions
Troubleshooting application challenges
6.Commitment to Safety and Compliance:
Our business philosophy prioritizes safety alongside customer satisfaction. We provide comprehensive safety documentation, including detailed xylene MSDS and handling guidelines (UN 1307), and work with customers to ensure they have the information needed to handle this material safely.
📞 Contact our sales team today for a competitive quote and expert consultation.
📧 Email: Devin@ruishuangchemical.com,Stefan@ruishuangchemical.com
📱 Phone/WhatsApp:+8618653633300,+8613573373908
Partner with us for solvent and feedstock solutions that drive your success.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Q: What packaging options are available for Xylene?
A: As a full-service xylene supplier, we offer multiple packaging solutions:
Xylene ISO tank containers (20-24 metric tons) – standard for international bulk transport, UN 1307 compliant
Xylene drums (180kg/55-gallon steel drums) – for smaller volume requirements
IBC totes (1000kg) – intermediate bulk containers for efficient handling
Xylene bulk tanker – for large-volume domestic deliveries
All packaging complies with flammable liquid regulations and maintains product integrity.