26xylene

2,6-Xylene, also known as 1,3-dimethylbenzene, is an aromatic hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C8H10. It is one of the three structural isomers of xylene, the others being 1,2-xylene (ortho-xylene) and 1,4-xylene (para-xylene). 2,6-Xylene is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor and is flammable.

This compound is primarily obtained from coal tar or petroleum refining processes. Its industrial significance stems from its role as a precursor in the synthesis of various chemicals. A major application is in the production of 2,6-dimethylaniline, which is used in the manufacture of pesticides and dyes. It is also a component in some gasoline formulations.

In research and development, 2,6-xylene can serve as a solvent for specific reactions or as a starting material for organic synthesis experiments. Its chemical properties, including its reactivity as an aromatic compound and the presence of two methyl groups, allow for a range of transformations. The separation of 2,6-xylene from its isomers is important for its purity in these applications, often achieved through fractional distillation or other separation techniques.