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p-Xylene

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Identification
Molecular formula
C8H10
CAS number
106-42-3
IUPAC name
p-xylene
State
State

At room temperature, p-Xylene is in a liquid state.

Melting point (Celsius)
13.20
Melting point (Kelvin)
286.35
Boiling point (Celsius)
138.35
Boiling point (Kelvin)
411.50
General information
Molecular weight
106.17g/mol
Molar mass
106.1680g/mol
Density
0.8610g/cm3
Appearence

p-Xylene is a colorless liquid.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of p-Xylene

p-Xylene, known chemically as 1,4-dimethylbenzene, has specific solubility characteristics that are noteworthy:

  • Solubility in Water: p-Xylene is insoluble in water due to its non-polar nature and hydrophobic properties. Water, a polar solvent, cannot effectively solvate non-polar molecules.
  • Solubility in Organic Solvents: Conversely, p-xylene demonstrates high solubility in various organic solvents. It is considered to be miscible with:
    • Acetone
    • Toluene
    • Hexane
  • Temperature Dependence: The solubility can vary with temperature; generally, solubility in organic solvents increases as temperature rises.
  • Applications: This solubility profile underscores p-xylene’s importance in industrial applications, especially in the production of polymers and as a solvent in organic reactions.

In summary, p-xylene's poor water solubility combined with its excellent solubility in many non-polar organic solvents makes it a versatile compound in various chemical processes.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about p-Xylene

p-Xylene, also known as 1,4-dimethylbenzene, is a fascinating aromatic hydrocarbon that plays a crucial role in various industrial applications. Here are some intriguing aspects of this compound:

  • Precursors for Polyester Production: p-Xylene is one of the primary feedstocks used in the manufacture of terephthalic acid, an essential component in the production of polyesters like PET (polyethylene terephthalate), widely used in plastic bottles and textiles.
  • Solvent Properties: Due to its ability to dissolve many organic compounds, p-Xylene serves as a solvent in various industrial applications, including paints, coatings, and adhesives. This capability makes it highly valued in chemical synthesis.
  • Environmental Considerations: Like many aromatic compounds, p-xylene is subject to regulations due to its potential environmental impact. Awareness of its environmental footprint has led to efforts to develop safer and more sustainable production methods.
  • Health Effects: Exposure to p-xylene, particularly at elevated levels, may have health implications. It is essential to follow safety protocols in industrial environments to mitigate risks associated with its inhalation or dermal contact.
  • Natural Occurrence: Interestingly, p-xylene is naturally found in crude oil and is present in small concentrations in vehicle emissions and cigarette smoke, highlighting its presence in both natural and anthropogenic environments.
  • Isomer Diversity: p-Xylene is one of the three isomers of dimethylbenzene, with the others being m-xylene and o-xylene. Each isomer has unique properties and applications, making the study of these compounds an engaging area of research in organic chemistry.

In summary, p-xylene is not just a simple compound; it is an essential player in the world of chemistry and industrial applications. Understanding its properties and effects is vital for both researchers and industries that rely on this compound for their products.

Synonyms
P-XYLENE
1,4-Dimethylbenzene
Para-Xylene
106-42-3
1,4-Xylene
p-Methyltoluene
p-Dimethylbenzene
p-Xylol
Benzene, 1,4-dimethyl-
4-Xylene
4-Methyltoluene
Chromar
Scintillar
1,4-Dimethylbenzol
paraxylene
CCRIS 910
NSC 72419
HSDB 136
EINECS 203-396-5
UNII-6WAC1O477V
6WAC1O477V
DTXSID2021868
CHEBI:27417
AI3-52255
MFCD00008556
NSC-72419
CHEMBL31561
p-Xylene-alpha,alpha'-13C2
DTXCID701868
EC 203-396-5
Xylene, p-
Benzene, p-dimethyl-
p-Xylenes
Xylene, p-isomer
PXY
p-Xylol (DOT)
1,4-dimethyl benzene
1,4-dimethyl-benzene
P-XYLENE [MI]
4-XYLENE [HSDB]
bmse000834
p-Xylene, analytical standard
BENZENE,1,4-DIMETHYL
WLN: 1R D1
p-Xylene, anhydrous, >=99%
p-Xylene, for synthesis, 99%
187l
p-Xylene, for HPLC, >=99%
p-Xylene, ReagentPlus(R), 99%
NSC72419
p-Xylene 10 microg/mL in Methanol
Tox21_201113
BDBM50008567
Benzene, 1,2(or 1,4)-dimethyl-
c0083
STL264212
AKOS000121124
p-Xylene 5000 microg/mL in Methanol
p-Xylene, purum, >=98.0% (GC)
MSK000212-1000M
NCGC00091661-01
NCGC00091661-02
NCGC00258665-01
CAS-106-42-3
p-Xylene, SAJ first grade, >=99.0%
p-Xylene [UN1307] [Flammable liquid]
p-Xylene, SAJ special grade, >=99.0%
p-xylene Solution in Methanol, 1000ug/mL
NS00001217
S0649
X0014
X0044
EN300-24549
p-Xylene, puriss. p.a., >=99.0% (GC)
C06756
Q3314420
F0001-0120
Z199056432
InChI=1/C8H10/c1-7-3-5-8(2)6-4-7/h3-6H,1-2H
p-Xylene, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
136777-61-2
203-396-5