Xylene

Brief Overview
Xylene, also called dimethylbenzene, is an aromatic hydrocarbon that appears as a colorless liquid with a sweet smelling scent. It is commonly used in coating formulations, including general industrial enamels, two pack epoxies, and polyurethanes. Xylene is flammable and insoluble in water, but it mixes readily with many organic solvents.

Manufacturing Processes
Xylenes are produced by dehydrocyclodimerization and by methylating of toluene and benzene. The ratio of isomers can be shifted to favor p-xylene via the isomer process, which is most valued. The complexes of different isomers often have dramatically different properties from each other. The process of conversion is catalyzed by zeolites.