Today's Chemical is:
Mixed Xylene
What is it?
Mixed Xylene is used as a feed stock in the Paraxylene manufacturing process. It involves the catalytic conversion of metaxylene and orthoxylene into paraxylene followed by the crystallization of paraxylene.
Mixed xylene is also used in the production of ethylbenzene, as a solvent in products such as paints and coatings, and is blended into gasoline.
Mixed Xylene is a clear, colorless, sweet-smelling liquid that is very flammable.
Xylenes are extracted or distilled from reformate, a stream derived from the refining of high-octane motor gasoline. They can also be produced from toluene using the disproportionation process. They are colorless, sweet-smelling liquids that are very flammable.
Xylenes occur as three isomers, each having two methyl groups attached to a basic benzene hydrocarbon ring. The type of isomer is distinguished by the position of the methyl groups on the ring. Para-xylene has the methyl groups attached on opposite sides of the ring, ortho-xylene has the two methyl groups next to each other, while meta-xylene has them positioned with one carbon in between the two groups.
How is mixed xylene used?
Some mixed xylenes are used as solvents and in the printing, rubber, and leather industries. However, most mixed xylenes are separated and the individual isomers consumed in specific end-uses. Para-xylene is primarily used as a feedstock for terephthalic acid, a key component in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins. Ortho-xylene is used in plasticisers, medicines, and dyes.
Mixed xylene is also a desirable gasoline component, but are blended less often than toluene because there is greater demand and higher value in their chemical applications.
How is it shipped?
Mixed Xylene is typically shipped in bulk via tank barge, rail tank car or ocean going tanker.
What are my concerns?
Eye contact: Moderate to severe irritant. Contact with liquid or vapor may cause irritation.
In case of contact with eyes, immediately flush with clean, low-pressure water for at least 15 min. Hold eyelids open to ensure adequate flushing. Seek medical attention.
Skin Contact: Moderate to severe irritant. May cause skin irritation with prolonged or repeated contact. Practically nontoxic if absorbed following acute (single) exposure. Liquid may be absorbed through the skin in toxic amounts if large areas of skin are exposed repeatedly.
Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated areas thoroughly with soap and water or waterless hand cleanser. Obtain medical attention if irritation or redness develops.
Ingestion: The major health threat of ingestion occurs from the danger of aspiration (breathing) of liquid drops into the lungs, particularly from vomiting. Aspiration may result in chemical pneumonia (fluid in the lungs), severe lung damage, respiratory failure and even death.
Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal disturbances, including irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and central nervous system (brain) effects similar to alcohol intoxication. In severe cases, tremors, convulsions, loss of consciousness, coma, respiratory arrest, and death may occur.
DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Do not give liquids. Obtain immediate medical attention. If spontaneous vomiting occurs, lean victim forward to reduce the risk of aspiration. Small amounts of material which enter the mouth should be rinsed out until the taste is dissipated.
Inhalation:
Excessive exposure may cause irritation to the nose, throat, lungs and respiratory tract. Central nervous system (brain) effects may include headache, dizziness, loss of balance and coordination, unconsciousness, coma, respiratory failure, and death.
Effects to the blood (including decreased platelet and white blood cell counts), cardiovascular system, nervous system, retina, lungs, gastrointestinal system, spleen, and kidneys have been reported from large, acute (short) and repeated or prolonged exposures.
Remove person to fresh air. If person is not breathing, ensure an open airway and provide artificial respiration. If necessary, provide additional oxygen once breathing is restored if trained to do so. Seek medical attention immediately.
Fire Fighting Measures:
AUTOIGNITION TEMPERATURE: 867�F
Vapors may be ignited rapidly when exposed to heat, spark, open flame or other source of ignition. Flowing product may be ignited by self-generated static electricity. When mixed with air and exposed to an ignition source, flammable vapors can burn in the open or explode in confined spaces.
Being heavier than air, vapors may travel long distances to an ignition source and flash back. Runoff to sewer may cause fire or explosion hazard
