[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream feedstocks, storage methods of m-xylene, m-xylene cas

m-Xylene properties

m-xylene (m-Xylene, referred to as m-Xyl) is an important aromatic compounds, chemical formula C8H10. It is a colorless and transparent liquid with an aromatic odor, a boiling point of about 139°C and a density of 0.86g/cm³. The solubility in water is low, but it can be miscible with ethanol, ether, benzene, acetone and other organic solvents. Chemically, m-xylene is a stable compound, but the mixture of its vapor and air can be explosive under certain conditions. Its main physical and chemical properties make it widely used in many industrial fields.

m-xylene use

M-xylene is widely used in chemical industry. It is the main raw material for the production of isophthalic acid (Isophthalic Acid,IPA). Isophthalic acid is an important monomer for the production of polyester resins and polyester fibers, and is widely used in the manufacture of bottles, films and fibers. m-xylene is also an important intermediate for the production of pesticides, pharmaceuticals and dyes. In the paint and ink industry, m-xylene is an excellent solvent, which can improve the fluidity and drying speed of paint and ink. Meta-xylene is also used as a blending component of gasoline to improve the anti-knock properties of gasoline.

m-xylene upstream feedstock

The main upstream feedstocks for meta-xylene are petroleum and coal. Through petroleum cracking and reforming, mixed aromatics containing xylene can be obtained, and then meta-xylene can be obtained through separation and purification. The specific process includes extracting the raw material from petroleum, converting the raw material into an aromatic mixture containing xylene through a reforming device, and then separating m-xylene with higher purity through adsorption separation technology, such as zeolite adsorption or supercritical fluid extraction. Coal chemical industry can also be used as a source of m-xylene. After hydrotreating coal tar, aromatic hydrocarbon mixture can be obtained, and m-xylene can be further separated.

M-Xylene Downstream Products

The downstream products of m-xylene are abundant and widely used. One of the main downstream products is isophthalic acid (IPA), which is used to produce high-performance polyesters such as PET bottles and fibers. Another important downstream product is dimethyl isophthalate (DMI), which is used in the production of engineering plastics, coatings and inks. m-xylene can also be used in the production of pharmaceutical intermediates and pesticide intermediates, such as phthalic anhydride (PMA), for the manufacture of antibacterial drugs and pesticides. Through chemical modification, m-xylene can also prepare various dyes and pigments for textile, printing and coating industries.

M-Xylene Storage Method

Since m-xylene is a flammable liquid, special attention should be paid to safety protection during storage. m-xylene should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated warehouse, away from fire sources, heat sources and oxidants. Storage containers shall be closed metal containers to prevent leakage and evaporation. The warehouse should be equipped with appropriate fire extinguishing equipment, such as dry powder fire extinguishers and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, to deal with sudden fires. Good anti-static facilities shall be provided in the warehouse to prevent fire and explosion caused by static electricity. Operators should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as protective gloves, protective glasses and protective clothing, when handling m-xylene to avoid direct contact and inhalation of vapors.

Market Prospects and Trends

With the development of the global economy and the acceleration of industrialization, the demand for m-xylene continues to grow. Especially in the Asian market, the demand for m-xylene is growing significantly, mainly due to the rapid industrialization and urbanization of developing countries such as China and India. In the future, with the increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the green and efficient production of m-xylene will become an important trend of development. Technological innovations will drive improvements in production processes, such as more efficient catalysts and more energy-efficient separation technologies. With the diversification and high added value of downstream products, the application field of m-xylene will be further expanded and the market prospect is broad.

Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material, m-xylene has excellent physical and chemical properties and is widely used in many industrial fields. Its upstream raw materials mainly come from petroleum and coal, which are extracted and separated by complex chemical processes. Downstream products include isophthalic acid and its esters, pharmaceutical and pesticide intermediates, dyes and pigments, etc., with broad application prospects. During storage and transportation, strict safety measures are required to prevent fire and explosion. In the future, with the growth of industrial demand and technological progress, the market for m-xylene will continue to expand, and its production process will also develop in the direction of greening and efficiency.