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o-Xylene

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Identification
Molecular formula
C8H10
CAS number
95-47-6
IUPAC name
o-xylene
State
State
o-Xylene is a liquid at room temperature. It is commonly found mixed with other xylene isomers.
Melting point (Celsius)
-25.20
Melting point (Kelvin)
247.95
Boiling point (Celsius)
144.40
Boiling point (Kelvin)
417.55
General information
Molecular weight
106.17g/mol
Molar mass
106.1670g/mol
Density
0.8793g/cm3
Appearence

o-Xylene is a colorless, flammable liquid. It has a sweet odor, which is characteristic of aromatic hydrocarbons. It is less dense than water and has the ability to mix with organic solvents.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of o-Xylene

o-Xylene, with the chemical formula C8H10, is an aromatic hydrocarbon that exhibits specific solubility characteristics. Understanding the solubility of this compound is crucial for its application in various chemical processes.

Here are some key points regarding the solubility of o-xylene:

  • Non-polar Nature: o-Xylene is predominantly non-polar, which affects its interaction with different solvents.
  • Solubility in Organic Solvents: It is readily soluble in organic solvents such as:
    • Hexane
    • Ethyl acetate
    • Chloroform
  • Poor Solubility in Water: Due to its non-polar characteristics, o-xylene has very low solubility in water. As such, it is classified as:
    • Insoluble or practically insoluble in aqueous solutions.
  • Environmental Considerations: In the environment, the low water solubility means that o-xylene tends to partition into organic phases, which can impact its bioavailability.

In summary, while o-xylene is useful in various industrial applications due to its solubility in organic solvents, it poses challenges when mixed with polar solvents like water, necessitating careful handling and consideration in both laboratory and environmental contexts.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about o-xylene

o-xylene, also known as 1,2-dimethylbenzene, is a fascinating aromatic hydrocarbon that plays a significant role in both industrial applications and the chemistry classroom. Here are some intriguing points about this compound:

  • Natural Source: o-xylene is found in coal tar and is produced during the pyrolysis of organic materials. It's also present in small amounts in crude oil and has been detected in the emissions of combustion engines.
  • Chemical Structure: The structure of o-xylene consists of a benzene ring with two methyl groups (-CH3) located on adjacent carbon atoms. This unique arrangement contributes to its distinctive chemical properties.
  • Industrial Uses: o-xylene serves as a precursor in the production of various chemicals, including phthalic anhydride, which is a key ingredient in plasticizers and resins. It is also used in the manufacture of solvents, paints, and coatings.
  • Biological Impact: While o-xylene has beneficial applications, exposure to it can have health implications. It's important to utilize proper safety precautions when working with this compound in laboratory settings.
  • Chemical Reactions: o-xylene can undergo several chemical transformations, including oxidation to form phthalic acid and isomerization to yield other xylenes. This makes it a versatile compound for chemical synthesis.
  • Environmental Concerns: Due to its presence in industrial waste and emissions, o-xylene has raised environmental concerns. Its impact on water and air quality is a subject of ongoing research.

In summary, o-xylene is much more than a simple hydrocarbon; it's a compound with a variety of applications and implications in both science and industry. Its presence in everyday products and potential environmental impact makes it a subject of interest for both chemists and environmental scientists alike.

Synonyms
O-XYLENE
1,2-Dimethylbenzene
1,2-Xylene
95-47-6
Ortho-Xylene
Xylene
o-Xylol
o-Methyltoluene
2-Xylene
o-Dimethylbenzene
Benzene, 1,2-dimethyl-
3,4-Xylene
1,2-Dimethylbenzol
o-Xylenes
Xylene, o-
Benzene, o-dimethyl-
2-Methyltoluene
Benzene, dimethyl-
orthoxylene
NSC 60920
DTXSID3021807
CHEBI:28063
o-Xylene-dimethyl-13C2
MFCD00008519
NSC-60920
1,2-XYLOL
BENZENE,1,2-DIMETHYL
CHEMBL45005
DTXCID501807
Z2474E14QP
Dimethylbenzene
CCRIS 905
HSDB 134
EINECS 202-422-2
UNII-Z2474E14QP
dimethyl benzene
dimethyl-benzene
AI3-08197
Xylenes ACS
Xylene, o-isomer
1,2-dimethyl-benzene
o-Xylene, HPLC Grade
O-XYLENE [MI]
2-XYLENE [HSDB]
bmse000526
EC 202-422-2
o-Xylene, anhydrous, 97%
o-Xylene, analytical standard
o-Xylene, for HPLC, 98%
WLN: 1R B1
o-Xylene, for synthesis, 98%
DTXSID10178042
188l
o-Xylene, Spectrophotometric Grade
NSC60920
o-Xylene 10 microg/mL in Methanol
Tox21_200658
BDBM50008560
STL264206
o-Xylene 100 microg/mL in Methanol
AKOS000269058
o-Xylene, reagent grade, >=98.0%
CAS-95-47-6
NCGC00091662-01
NCGC00091662-02
NCGC00091662-03
NCGC00258212-01
o-Xylene, spectrophotometric grade, 98%
BS-20678
o-Xylene [UN1307] [Flammable liquid]
o-Xylene, SAJ special grade, >=98.5%
DB-257286
NS00007915
S0650
X0012
EN300-25617
o-Xylene, puriss. p.a., >=99.0% (GC)
C07212
Q2988108
F1908-0112
InChI=1/C8H10/c1-7-5-3-4-6-8(7)2/h3-6H,1-2H
o-Xylene, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
202-422-2
Xy