metaxylylene

Meta-xylylene is an organic compound with the chemical formula C8H10. It is one of three structural isomers of xylene, the other two being ortho-xylylene and para-xylylene. In meta-xylylene, the two methyl groups are attached to a benzene ring at positions 1 and 3. This arrangement is also referred to as 1,3-dimethylbenzene. Meta-xylylene is a colorless liquid at room temperature and is flammable. It has a distinct aromatic odor.

Meta-xylylene is primarily used as a precursor in the production of isophthalic acid, which is a key component in the manufacture of certain polyesters, resins, and plasticizers. It can also be used in the synthesis of other chemical intermediates. Like other xylenes, it is typically derived from petroleum refining processes, particularly from catalytic reforming of naphtha. Its physical properties include a melting point of approximately -47.87 °C and a boiling point of around 139.1 °C. It is sparingly soluble in water but miscible with most organic solvents. The chemical reactivity of meta-xylylene is characteristic of aromatic hydrocarbons, undergoing electrophilic substitution reactions on the benzene ring and reactions at the methyl groups.