Xylene of oil grade A: description, technical specifications and features

Oil grade xylene A is an organic liquid that has a characteristic odor and belongs to the group of aromatic hydrocarbons. We will tell you more about it later in the article.

General information

The structure of this material is one gasoline ring, as well as two methyl radicals. In addition, this connection can be in three different configurations. Xylene also has another name - dimethylbenzene.

It is worth saying that paraxylene, metaxylene and orthoxylene are characterized by approximately equal boiling points - from 138 to 144 degrees Celsius. For this reason, xylene of oil grade A is a technical reagent, which is presented in the form of these three substances with an admixture of ethylbenzene.

The latter substance, in turn, is a benzene derivative with one ethyl group. The rational formula for xylene, from a chemical point of view, is (CH3) 2C6H4. It is also important to note that in grade A petroleum xylene, the quantitative content of the basic substance should not be less than 99.6% by weight of the total product.

Chemical and physical indicators

If we talk about the chemical characteristics of this substance, then we can distinguish the following features. It does not mix with water. The solubility of xylene of petroleum grade A is possible only in benzene, ethyl alcohol, diethyl ether, acetone and paraffin hydrocarbons.

If we consider the chemical properties of this product as a whole, we can say that it is a typical representative of an aromatic compound, and also enters into the chemical reactions that are characteristic of benzene.

If we consider the physical properties of the same substance, then we can distinguish the following:

• At a temperature of 20 ° C, this liquid is colorless, oily, has no precipitate, and the smell is the same as that of benzene.
• The solubility of this substance is - 0.015% in water.
• If we talk about the density of the product, then at the same 20 degrees it is equal to from 0.862 to 0.868 g / cm³.
  
• The temperature to start the distillation of this substance is not higher than 137.5 ° C.
• An outbreak of this substance occurs at a temperature not lower than 23 °.
• Self-ignition of the liquid is possible when heated to 450 degrees Celsius;
• The bulk of the distillation of the product - up to 95% is carried out at a temperature range of 4 degrees.
• Evaporation of the substance takes place without residue.

Method of production and use

Obtaining the described substance is carried out by aromatization of certain oil fractions. If we talk about the chemical industry, then this product is used in it in order to further obtain pure isomers of xylene, as well as other products. These substances can also be attributed to the synthesis of polymers.

And petroleum xylene, the characteristics and properties of which are listed in this article, is in turn used as a solvent. It can be used to dissolve resins, paints, and other high molecular weight compounds. Besides this use, xylene is also an integral part for some solvents and enamels. Most often, such mixtures or enamels are used during construction and repair work, when painting cars. It is also often used as a high-octane additive for motor fuel.

Storage and packaging

Xylene of oil grade A in accordance with GOST is produced in plastic or metal barrels, as well as in cubes or cans with different volumes. Storage of this substance should be carried out according to clear rules:

• Keep it in a cool place.
• Storage is allowed only in undamaged original packaging or in special containers, which must also be located at a great distance from any heat source, from any flammable object, and also away from oxidizing agents.
• In addition, the operation of the warehouse in which this substance is stored should be carried out in accordance with all rules for the storage of flammable substances.

What is xylene dangerous?

Due to its properties, xylene is a substance of the third class of toxicity. Continuous inhalation of the vapors from this product causes a mild narcotic effect in a person, as when inhaling vapors of benzene or toluene.

Any work using this fluid should be carried out in a room with good ventilation, and also away from any source of fire. The use of percussion instruments near the substance is also prohibited, as this may cause a spark. Wiring in a building where xylene is used must be carried out in accordance with all the rules that apply to rooms with explosive or flammable substances.

It is also necessary that all personnel who work directly with this substance should have glasses, overalls and gloves. In some cases, if necessary, it is necessary to wear gas masks of brand A.

GOST xylene

All technical requirements, safety precautions, etc., as regards this substance, are prescribed by GOST. For petroleum xylene - GOST 9410-78. The production and quality of this product is regulated by this document, which is strictly necessary to follow. If we talk about chemical and physical properties, then there is a table in which all the requirements for the substance are indicated.

Security

Due to its characteristics, xylene of oil grade A was assigned to the third hazard class of toxic substances according to GOST 9410-78. Too high a concentration of this substance, as already mentioned, can cause a narcotic effect in a person, as well as irritation of the mucous membrane and skin. In addition, it adversely affects the nervous system. It should be remembered that xylene belongs to the group of fire hazardous and explosive substances.

When working with this product, you must take care of the availability of personal protective equipment for each employee. If any unloading and loading operations are carried out, then you should adhere to the rules of protection against static voltage at oil refining, oil production and chemical production facilities.

All equipment that is operated in the industry with xylene must have local selected pumps, and all rooms must be equipped with a supply and exhaust type of ventilation.

In those rooms that are used as a warehouse for the storage of xylene petroleum, Any handling of open flames or percussion instruments capable of causing a spark is prohibited. The arrangement of lighting and any electrics in such a structure should also be carried out in compliance with all explosion-proof rules.

If the fire nevertheless occurred, then to extinguish the fire it is necessary to use only finely dispersed water, chemical or air-mechanical foam. When this substance is spilled, it is neutralized with the help of sand, followed by its removal to a special place.

Characteristics and properties

Reviews of the solvent xylene indicate that it copes with its tasks perfectly, but from its shortcomings, as a rule, an unpleasant smell is especially distinguished.

This substance, which has no color but has a characteristic odor, has become quite widely used in the field of organic synthesis. It is very often used to produce such products as plastic, film materials, synthetic fibers, dyes, solvents, etc. In these products, xylene or its various derivatives are quite actively used. In order to have an idea of ​​the price of xylene of oil grade A, we indicate the one requested by TEC-Holding. This is only 70 rubles per 1 kilogram.