[News & Trends]:The difference between ortho xylene and toluene: from molecular structure to application, it is clear at a glance

O-xylene and toluene are two common chemical substances that have important applications in production and daily life. Although their names are very similar, there are actually significant differences in their chemical structure, properties, and uses


1、 The chemical formula of o-xylene is C6H4 CH3 2, where two methyl groups are located adjacent to the benzene ring. The chemical formula of toluene is C6H5CH3, with one methyl group attached to the benzene ring. By comparing the chemical structures, it can be seen that the two methyl groups in the ortho xylene molecule are closer, while toluene only has one methyl group connected to the benzene ring


2、 Physical properties: The melting point of ortho xylene is 13.2 ° C, the boiling point is 139 ° C, and the density is 0.87 g/cm3. The melting point of toluene is -95 ° C, the boiling point is 111 ° C, and the density is 0.86 g/cm3. It can be seen that the melting and boiling points of ortho xylene are higher than those of toluene, and the density is also slightly higher than that of toluene


3、 Chemical properties 

o-xylene and toluene also differ in chemical properties. Due to the presence of two methyl groups in the molecule of ortho xylene, it exhibits different properties from toluene in some reactions. For example, in nitration reactions, ortho xylene can generate two different nitro derivatives, while toluene can only generate one. Meanwhile, in the bromination reaction, ortho xylene also exhibits properties different from toluene


4、 Usage 

o-xylene and toluene also have different uses. Orthoxylene is mainly used in the production of polymer materials such as polybutylene terephthalate PBT, polybutylene terephthalate PDT, and polyurethane elastomers. Toluene, on the other hand, is used as a raw material for organic synthesis and is widely used in fields such as coatings, dyes, resins, and plastics


In summary, although o-xylene and toluene have similar names, there are significant differences in their chemical structure, properties, and uses. In practical applications, it is necessary to select suitable chemical substances based on specific needs to ensure the smooth progress of production and processing processes.