Paraxylene
Description
Paraxylene (1.4-dimethylbenzene) is a colorless, flammable liquid that has a sweet odor. It is separated from the mixed xylene stream that results from the refining of petroleum.
Properties
| Unit | Quantity / Description |
|---|
| Appearance and odor | | liquid, clear and sweet odor |
| pH at 29°C | °C | Not determined |
| Vapor pressure at 20°C | mm Hg | 6.4 mm Hg |
| Vapor density (air = 1.2) | kg/m3 | 1.23 |
| Boiling point | °C/°F | 139°C (282°F) |
| Melting point | °C/°F | 13°C (56°F) |
| Solubility in water | | Negligible, below 0.1% |
| Specific gravity (20°C/4°C) | | 0.86 |
Specifications
| Unit | Quantity / Description | Test Method UPON/ASTM |
|---|
| Paraxylene | wt % | ≥ 99.8 | UOP 720 (ir/ar/027) |
| Non-aromatic | wt % | ≤ 0.1 | UOP 543 (ir/ar/018) |
| Ethylbenzene | wt % | ≤ 0.2 | UOP 720 (ir/ar/027) |
| Meta-xylene | wt % | ≤ 0.2 | UOP 720 (ir/ar/027) |
| Ortho-xylene | wt % | ≤ 0.1 | UOP 720 (ir/ar/027) |
| Benzene and toluene | ppm, wt | ≤ 300 | UOP 720 (ir/ar/027) |
| Distillation range at 760 mmHg | °C | 1 max including 138.4°C | D-850 (ir/ar/051) |
| Relative density 15.56/15.56°C | | 0.865-0.867 | D-4052 (ir/ar/082) |
| Bromine index | mg/100gr | ≤ 10 | D-1492 (ir/ar/069) |
| Acid Wash Color | | ≤ 2 | D-848 (ir/ar/049) |
| Color Pt/Co Scale | Hazen | ≤ 5 | D-1209 (ir/ar/062) |
| H2S + S02 | | None detected | D-853 (ir/ar/053) |
| Halogen | ppm, wt | ≤ 0.2 | UOP 395 (ir/ar/014) |
| Total sulfur | ppm, wt | ≤ 0.5 | D-4045 (ir/ar/081) |
Hazards and safety
OVERVIEW: Flammable. Causes eye and skin irritation. Can be harmful if high concentrations are inhaled. Harmful or fatal if liquid is aspirated into the lungs.
HMIS CODE: (Health: 2) (Flammability: 3) (Reactivity: 0)
NFPA CODE: (Health: 2) (Flammability: 3) (Reactivity: 0)
Applications
Mostly used in manufacturing of Terephthalic Acid (PTA) and dimethyle esters which are used in polyester manufacturing.
Storage and handling
Store in clearly labeled, tightly closed, containers in a cool, wellventilated place, away from strong oxidizing materials and heat and ignition sources. During transferring operations, use electrically
ground and bond metal containers. To reduce potential health hazards, use sufficient dilution or local exhaust ventilation to control airborne contaminants and to maintain concentrations at the lowest practical level. Use hermetically sealed equipment, transfer xelene in enclosed systems, avoid processes associated with open evaporating surfaces, and provide sources of gas release with enclosures and local exhaust ventilation.
Operating companies
Arabian Industrial Fibers Company (IBN RUSHD).
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