They are colorless solids or liquids, although commercial samples can appear yellow or darker.
They are miscible with ethanol and diethyl ether and slightly soluble in water.
Xylidines are used in production of pigments and dyestuffs, and various antioxidants, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, hypergolic propellants, and many other organic chemicals.
[1] In World War II, xylidine was an important antiknock agent in very high performance aviation gasolines.
It is used as a raw material for production of vitamin B2, dyes, pesticides, and other chemicals.
At levels of 50 ppm, xylidine is immediately dangerous to life and health.