E2648-VOC
Rev 11.05.2021
Xylene
A colorless, flammable liquid with a chemical smell. Xylenes are produced by the
methylation of toluene and benzene.
The term is used for any of three isomers of dimethylbenzene, or a combination thereof.
Synonyms/Trade Names: xylol, dimethylbenzene.
Chemical formula
C
6
H
4
(CH
3
)
2
Isomers
ortho-xylene meta-xylene para-xylene
Molar weight
106
Conversion*
1 ppm = 4.34 mg/m
3
Boiling point
144.4 °C
139 °C 138.35 °C
Low explosive limit (LEL), % vol.
in air
0.9 - 1.1
Upper explosive limit (UEL), % vol.
in air
6.0–7.0
Odor
Characteristic “chemical” smell
Hazards
Flammable.
Inhaling can cause dizziness, headache, drowsiness, and nausea.
Exposure
limits
according
to
Commission
Directive
2000/39/EC
TWA
8 hours
221 mg/mm
3
/ 50 ppm
STEL
15 minutes
442 mg/mm
3
/ 100 ppm
Conversion of ppm to mg/m
3
is calculated for 25°C and 1 atm.
9
