Xylenes (o-, m-, p-) — properties & hazards overview
Boiling range
~ 138–144 °C
Flash point (CC)
~ 25–30 °C
LEL–UEL (air)
~ 1.0–7.0 vol%
Water solubility
~ 0.15–0.20 g/L
Toxicity
moderate (CNS/irritant)
Flammability
high
Chronic risk
low–moderate
Environmental
VOC / aquatic
| Property | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Vapour pressure (25 °C) | ~ 0.8–1.2 kPa (isomer dependent) |
| Vapour density (air=1) | ~ 3.7–3.9 |
| Odour | Sweet, solvent-like |
| Uses | Solvents, fuels, chemical intermediates (o-xylene → phthalic anhydride; p-xylene → PTA) |
| Notes for scrubbing | Low water solubility; consider solvent-assisted absorption + activated carbon, or oxidation. |
*Indicative values; confirm with SDS for design/safety.