Mixed-Xylene

Mixed xylenes are the second-most-important aromatic product in terms of world consumption for chemical manufacture, ranking behind benzene and ahead of toluene. Mixed xylenes refers to the equilibrium mixture of four isomers with the same C8H10 chemical formula. The isomers in order of natural occurrence are meta-xylene, ortho-xylene, para-xylene, and ethylbenzene.
Xylenes are produced with different processes. When in refineries, oil cuts enter the reforming units, aromatic compounds comprise a great proportion of the outflow material. Separating this flow into its components, accounts for more than 70 percent of global xylene supply. Also in the steam cracking process in olefin units, some quantity of Mixed Xylene is produced. In addition, disproportioning Toluene into Benzene and Xylene and treating Pyrolysis Gasoline are also different ways to produce Mixed Xylene.
• Production of para-xylene, ortho-xylene and meta-xylene – the most important application of mixed xylene is to separate different isomers of xylene, i.e. para-xylene, ortho-xylene and meta-xylene. They are respectively consumed in production of PTA, Phthalic acid and IsoPhthalic acid. Their final use include production of PET, PVC Plasticizer and Surface Coatings.
• Gasoline blend – Mixed xylene due to its high octane number and low vapor pressure, is a great compound for blending with gasoline.
• Chemical Industries- Mixed xylene is also used, however in small quantities, for producing paint and solvents.