o-Xylene

o-Xylene (ortho-xylene) is an aromatic hydrocarbon with the formula C6H4(CH3)2, with two methyl substituents bonded to adjacent carbon atoms of a benzene ring (the ortho configuration).

o-Xylene is a colourless slightly oily flammable liquid.

Most o-xylene is produced by cracking petroleum, which affords a distribution of aromatic compounds, including xylene isomers.

Net production was approximately 500,000 tons in the year 2000. o-Xylene is largely used in the production of phthalic anhydride, which is a precursor to many materials, drugs, and other chemicals.

[7] Related to their easy oxidation, the methyl groups are susceptible to halogenation.

Skeletal formula
Skeletal formula
Space-filling model
Space-filling model
NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 2: Intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury. E.g. chloroform Flammability 3: Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. Flash point between 23 and 38 °C (73 and 100 °F). E.g. gasoline Instability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogen Special hazards (white): no code