Xylene (mixed isomers)

Description

1. Product Overview

Xylene (mixed isomers) is a high-purity aromatic hydrocarbon solvent comprising a calibrated blend of ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene, derived from catalytic reforming or toluene disproportionation. It serves as a critical intermediate and solvent across industrial coatings, printing inks, adhesives, and chemical synthesis. The key value proposition is its superior solvency power and controlled evaporation rate, which enable faster drying cycles and higher solids formulations. Strategically, xylene is indispensable for global petrochemical value chains, directly impacting production efficiency in automotive, construction, and specialty chemicals markets.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical composition: Mixed isomers (approx. 40–65% meta-xylene, 20–25% ortho-xylene, 15–25% para-xylene) + ethylbenzene (<20%)

• Purity level: ≥99.0 wt% (Isomer-grade typical) / Industrial-grade ≥98.5%

• Physical characteristics:

  • Clear, colorless liquid

  • Density: 0.860–0.875 g/cm³ @ 20°C

  • Boiling range: 137–144°C

  • Flash point: 25°C (closed cup)

• Packaging options: Bulk ISOTANK (24 MT), 200L steel drums (net 170 kg), 1000L IBC totes

• Shelf life: 24 months in sealed, original containers under standard storage conditions (cool, dry, ventilated, away from oxidizers)

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Paints & Coatings (architectural, automotive, marine): Used as a high-solvency thinner and retarder solvent. Outperforms toluene or mineral spirits in preventing surface defects (blushing, pinholes) in high-humidity spray applications.

• Printing Inks (rotogravure & flexographic): Enables rapid, consistent drying on non-porous substrates (films, foils, laminates). Reduces press downtime due to its balanced evaporation profile.

• Adhesives & Sealants (construction, packaging): Dissolves rubber-based and polyurethane systems more efficiently than cyclohexane, lowering formulation viscosity without sacrificing bond strength.

• Chemical Intermediates (phthalic anhydride, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid): Mixed isomers serve as direct feedstock for oxidation; the isomeric blend simplifies reactor charging vs. pure isomers, reducing raw material cost by 12–18%.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality consistency: Lot-to-lot control via ASTM D7266 compliant GC analysis; <0.05% benzene content (meets REACH & EPA volatile hazardous air pollutant thresholds).

• Supply reliability: Dedicated storage terminals in Rotterdam, Houston, Singapore, and Jebel Ali; 24/7 tank-level monitoring to prevent stockouts.

• Logistics capability: Own fleet of ISO-certified chemical tankers; 7-day average lead time to major industrial zones globally.

• Price competitiveness: Direct refinery-of-origin contracts remove 2–3 intermediary margins; volume-indexed pricing available for annual commitments >1,000 MT.

• Sustainability: Lifecycle analysis (LCA) data available; compatible with solvent recycling systems (up to 85% recovery). Non-halogenated formula simplifies waste classification.

• Technical support: TDS, SDS, and formulation compatibility databases accessible via API integration with procurement systems.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 20 MT (one full bulk truck or flexitank equivalent)

• Loading capacity:

  • 20-ft ISO container (flexitank): 20–21 MT net

  • 40-ft ISO container (flexitank): 21–22 MT net

  • ISOTANK (standard T11): 24 MT gross

  • Bulk vessel (parcel): 500–5,000 MT

• Pricing basis: FOB / CIF / CFR (tank terminal dependent). Spot and contract (monthly formula) available.