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m-Xylene

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Identification
Molecular formula
C8H10
CAS number
108-38-3
IUPAC name
m-xylene
State
State

At room temperature, m-Xylene is in a liquid state. It tends to maintain its liquid state at typical room temperatures due to its relatively low boiling point of 139.1°C, giving it the characteristic volatility of many aromatic hydrocarbons.

Melting point (Celsius)
-47.90
Melting point (Kelvin)
225.25
Boiling point (Celsius)
139.10
Boiling point (Kelvin)
412.25
General information
Molecular weight
106.17g/mol
Molar mass
106.1670g/mol
Density
0.8650g/cm3
Appearence

m-Xylene is a colorless liquid with a distinctive sweet odor that resembles that of a typical aromatic hydrocarbon. It is less dense than water and evaporates easily in air, making it noticeable through its scent even at low concentrations.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of m-Xylene

m-Xylene, known chemically as 1,3-dimethylbenzene and having the formula C8H10, exhibits unique solubility characteristics that are important to understand in various applications.

Solubility in Different Solvents

When assessing the solubility of m-xylene, it is essential to note the following:

  • Soluble in Organic Solvents: m-Xylene is highly soluble in non-polar organic solvents such as hexane, toluene, and ether due to its similar hydrophobic nature.
  • Limited Solubility in Water: m-Xylene has a very low solubility in water, typically around 0.16 g/100 mL at 25 °C. This limited solubility is attributed to the polarity differences between m-xylene and water.

Temperature Effects

The solubility of m-xylene can also change with temperature:

  • Increased temperature generally increases its solubility in organic solvents due to enhanced molecular interactions.
  • However, the low solubility in water remains relatively unchanged with temperature variations.

To summarize, m-xylene's solubility profile highlights its behavior as a non-polar compound with excellent solubility in organic solvents and minimal interaction with water. This is a classic example of "like dissolves like," illustrating the principles of solubility that govern chemical interactions.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About m-Xylene

m-Xylene, known chemically as 1,3-dimethylbenzene, is a fascinating aromatic hydrocarbon that belongs to the group of compounds known as xylenes. Here are some intriguing aspects of this compound:

  • Structure and Isomerism: m-Xylene is one of three isomers of xylene, with the *meta* configuration of the two methyl groups. This unique arrangement influences its physical and chemical properties, making it distinct from its counterparts, o-xylene (ortho) and p-xylene (para).
  • Industrial Uses: m-Xylene is a vital solvent and is often used in the production of various chemicals. Key applications include:
    • Manufacturing of paints and varnishes.
    • Synthesis of dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), an important precursor for polyester fibers and resins.
    • Production of adhesives and coatings.
  • Environmental Considerations: As with many volatile organic compounds (VOCs), m-xylene can pose health risks if inhaled in large quantities. It is essential for industries to manage its use and emissions carefully.
  • Detection and Analysis: m-Xylene is routinely measured in air quality assessments. Its presence can indicate pollution from industrial sources, making it a significant compound for environmental monitoring.
  • Interesting Trivia: m-Xylene is one of the key components of gasoline, contributing not only to its energy content but also to its aromatic properties, which affect the odor of fuels.

In conclusion, m-xylene is an essential compound in both chemical synthesis and industrial applications. Understanding its properties and behaviors helps to maximize its benefits while minimizing environmental impacts. As stated by chemist and educator Dr. Richard A. S. Smith, *"By studying the behavior of compounds like m-xylene, we unlock the doors to innovation in materials and sustainability."*

Synonyms
M-XYLENE
108-38-3
1,3-Dimethylbenzene
1,3-Xylene
meta-Xylene
m-Xylol
m-Dimethylbenzene
m-Methyltoluene
Benzene, 1,3-dimethyl-
3-Xylene
1,3-Dimethylbenzol
Santosol 150
m-Xylenes
2,4-Xylene
CCRIS 907
NSC 61769
HSDB 135
UNII-O9XS864HTE
EINECS 203-576-3
O9XS864HTE
DTXSID6026298
CHEBI:28488
AI3-08916
MFCD00008536
NSC-61769
CHEMBL286727
DTXCID501446
EC 203-576-3
M-XYLENE-ALPHA,ALPHA'-13C2
Xylene, m-
Benzene, m-dimethyl-
CAS-108-38-3
EINECS 272-684-0
metaxylene
M xylene
1,3-dimethyl-benzene
m-Xylene [UN1307] [Flammable liquid]
DSSTox_CID_1446
M-XYLENE [MI]
3-XYLENE [HSDB]
bmse000554
DSSTox_RID_76162
DSSTox_GSID_21446
m-Xylene, analytical standard
BENZENE,1,3-DIMETHYL
WLN: 1R C1
m-Xylene, anhydrous, >=99%
m-Xylene, for synthesis, 99%
m-Xylene, ReagentPlus(R), 99%
NSC61769
m-Xylene 10 microg/mL in Methanol
Tox21_200292
Tox21_202056
Tox21_303203
BDBM50008556
STL268867
m-Xylene 100 microg/mL in Methanol
AKOS000121123
NCGC00091711-01
NCGC00091711-02
NCGC00091711-03
NCGC00257052-01
NCGC00257846-01
NCGC00259605-01
m-Xylene, SAJ first grade, >=98.5%
CAS-1330-20-7
NS00010709
NS00125194
S0648
X0013
EN300-24548
m-Xylene, puriss. p.a., >=99.0% (GC)
C07208
Q3234708
F1908-0174
InChI=1/C8H10/c1-7-4-3-5-8(2)6-7/h3-6H,1-2H
m-Xylene, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
203-576-3