© 2026 Sinochem Nanjing Corporation,
All Right Reserved
Chemical Name: M-xylene
Chemical Formula: C8H10
Synonyms: 1,3-dimethylbenzene
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid, strong aromatic smell
Use: Solvent, intermediate in chemical processes, component in gasoline and paints
Health Hazards: Can irritate eyes, nose, and skin, inhalation may cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even unconsciousness at high concentrations, long exposure affects liver and kidneys
Flammability: Highly flammable liquid and vapor, can form explosive mixtures with air
Environmental Hazards: Harmful to aquatic life through runoff or improper disposal
Main Ingredient: m-xylene (1,3-dimethylbenzene), over 95%
Possible Impurities: o-xylene, p-xylene, ethylbenzene in trace amounts
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, try to keep airways open, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with plenty of water and soap
Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy, get medical advice if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, avoid inducing vomiting, seek medical care right away
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water spray for cooling only
Special Hazards: Vapors may travel and cause flashback, toxic gases released in fire
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing, avoid inhaling fumes at all costs
Personal Protection: Use protective gloves, safety goggles, suitable clothing, respirators if ventilation is poor
Environmental Precautions: Contain spillage, prevent entry into waterways and drains, absorb with inert material like sand and collect in appropriate containers
Cleanup Methods: Ventilate area, wash residue with plenty of water after pick-up, dispose of all contaminated materials properly
Safe Handling: Avoid breathing vapors, don’t let product touch skin or eyes, use only with adequate ventilation
Storage Requirements: Store in tightly closed containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated place, keep away from heat sources, open flames, or oxidizing agents, ground and bond containers to avoid static discharge
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, strong oxidizers, halogens can cause dangerous reactions
Occupational Limits: OSHA and ACGIH set exposure limits for xylene, always check these thresholds
Respiratory Protection: Use proper mask or respirator if levels are likely to exceed the safe limit
Skin and Eye Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles, and long-sleeved clothing are basic needs
Engineering Controls: Good local exhaust, general room ventilation, explosion-proof equipment for handling
Physical State: Liquid
Color: Clear, colorless
Odor: Sweet, aromatic
Boiling Point: About 139°C
Density: Approximately 0.86 g/cm3
Vapor Pressure: Moderate, increases with temperature
Solubility in Water: Very low, soluble in alcohol and ether
Flash Point: Roughly 25°C
Chemical Stability: Stays stable under normal conditions, but heat and sunlight speed up breakdown
Conditions to Avoid: Sparks, open flames, static electricity, very high temperatures
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with strong oxidizers or acids leads to violent chemical reactions
Decomposition Products: Toxic smoke and vapor, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Acute Effects: Short-term exposure causes dizziness, headaches, nausea, irritation to skin, eyes, throat, high exposures cause unconsciousness
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated contact damages liver, kidneys, possibly nervous system
Sensitization: Not a common skin sensitizer, but strong irritant with repeated exposure
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by major agencies, but chronic exposure still brings long-term risk
Environmental Impact: Toxic to aquatic life, spills threaten waterways and drinking sources
Persistence: Breaks down slowly in soil and water, evaporates quickly in open environments
Bioaccumulation: Low potential overall, but even small spills hurt local ecosystems
Mobility: Moves easily through soil if spilled, fast evaporation increases air contamination
Waste Disposal: Collect as hazardous waste, never dump down the drain or into the environment
Recommended Method: Use approved waste disposal facilities for solvents, follow local and national guidelines
Container Disposal: Empty containers may hold residue, rinse carefully and handle as hazardous waste
UN Number: Assigned for regulated transport due to flammability
Transport Hazard Class: Recognized and restricted as a flammable liquid, special labeling required
Packing Group: Usually Group II or III, depends on container and concentration
Precautions: Avoid transportation with oxidizers, acids, cylinders under pressure
Regulation Status: Subject to controls on flammable liquids, workplace safety standards by OSHA and other agencies
Exposure Limits: Legally-enforced occupational limits set by major health and safety bodies, regular monitoring often mandatory in industries using xylene
Reporting Requirements: Spills or releases above certain amounts must be reported to environmental authorities, non-compliance brings heavy penalties
Labeling Needs: Flammable, irritant, health warnings must be shown clearly on containers at all times
