Xylenes (or dimethyl benzene) are an important petrochemical product with the formula (CH3)2C6H4 and exist as three isomers: meta- xylene, ortho-xylene and para-xylene. It is primarily a synthetic chemical; however, it can exist naturally in petroleum. Xylene is a colourless slightly oily flammable liquid.
Xylene is primarily used as a solvent particularly in the printing, rubber and leather industries. Xylene is also used as cleaning agent, paint thinner and remover, varnish, airplane fuel, rust preventatives and pesticides.