Orthoxylene is a chemical compound with the formula C8H10O. Its name is derived from its chemical structure, which contains an ortho- substitution on one of the benzene rings. The pronunciation of Orthoxylene is [ɔrθoʊˈzailin]. The first syllable is emphasized, and is followed by a long-o sound. This is followed by a 'th' sound and short-o sound. The second half of the word is pronounced 'zei-lin', with a long-i sound and emphasis on the second syllable. Proper spelling is important to ensure understanding and accuracy in scientific and technical fields.
Orthoxylene is a colorless liquid hydrocarbon chemical compound, which is classified as a xylene isomer. It is specifically referred to as 1,2-dimethylbenzene in scientific nomenclature. Orthoxylene is derived from crude oil during the refining process, or can also be produced by catalytic reforming of petroleum or coal tar distillation.
With a molecular formula of C8H10, orthoxylene consists of a benzene ring substituted with two methyl groups at adjacent carbon atoms, positioned ortho to each other. Consequently, it belongs to the aromatic compound family.
Orthoxylene has a distinctive aromatic odor, and a melting point of -25.8°C (-14.44°F), along with a boiling point of 144.4°C (291.92°F). It is highly volatile and flammable at temperatures above its flash point of 32°C (89.6°F). It is commonly used as a solvent in various industrial applications, including the synthesis of phthalic anhydride, which is used in the production of plasticizers, polyester resins, and alkyd resins.
The chemical’s properties, such as its moderate polarity and miscibility with various solvents, make it a favorable choice as an intermediate compound in the chemical industry. Furthermore, orthoxylene is employed in the production of herbicides, dyes, paints, and varnishes. It is also utilized as a component in octane boosters for gasoline and as a raw material for the manufacturing of synthetic fibers, rubbers, and plastics.
The word "Orthoxylene" is derived from the combination of two terms: "ortho" and "xylene".
The term "xylene" originates from the Ancient Greek word "xýlon", which means "wood". The name was originally given because xylene was first isolated from wood tar. Xylene itself refers to a group of three isomeric aromatic hydrocarbons: ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, and para-xylene.
The prefix "ortho-" in "Orthoxylene" comes from the Greek word "orthos", meaning "straight" or "correct". In organic chemistry nomenclature, "ortho-" is used to indicate the position of functional groups or substituents on a benzene ring. In the case of ortho-xylene, the methyl group is attached to two adjacent carbon atoms on the benzene ring.