Ortho‑Xylene (o‑Xylene) — Brief Technical Overview

Ortho‑xylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon used as a solvent and as a key raw material for phthalic anhydride production.

Chemical Identity

• Formula: C₈H₁₀  
• Appearance: Colorless, slightly oily liquid  
• Boiling Point: ~144 °C  
• Solubility: Very low in water  

Production

Ortho‑xylene is obtained through the catalytic reforming and fractionation of petroleum naphtha. It is separated from mixed xylenes using distillation and adsorption techniques to achieve high purity for downstream chemical synthesis.

Key Applications

• Phthalic Anhydride Production  
• Solvent for paints, coatings, inks, rubber, and leather  
• Intermediate for dyes, pesticides, and specialty chemicals  

Why Industries Use It

• Strong solvency for resins and polymers  
• High purity suitable for downstream oxidation  
• Critical feedstock for major industrial chemicals  
• Stable performance in coating and printing systems 

Availability

Ortho‑xylene is distributed by Tradella Company, ensuring consistent supply for industrial customers.