How Do You Spell PARAXYLENE?

1. Paraxylene is a colorless, volatile liquid aromatic hydrocarbon compound with the chemical formula C8H10. It belongs to the xylenes family, which consists of three isomers: ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, and paraxylene. It is primarily derived from petroleum or coal tar and is produced on a large scale in refineries and petrochemical plants.

   Paraxylene is used extensively in the chemical industry as a feedstock for the production of terephthalic acid (TPA), which is a key ingredient in the manufacturing of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyester fibers. These products find applications in various industries such as textile, packaging, and automotive, among others.

   In addition to its role in the production of TPA, paraxylene also has other industrial applications. It is used as a solvent in the paint and coatings industry, as well as in the production of rubber, plasticizers, and dyes. Moreover, it serves as a constituent in the production of solvents, adhesives, and cleaning agents.

   Paraxylene is highly flammable and should be handled with care. It has a distinctive sweet odor and is slightly soluble in water but readily mixes with organic solvents. Its volatility makes it easily evaporate into the atmosphere.

   From an environmental standpoint, paraxylene can be considered harmful if released into the environment in large quantities. It is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC) and contributes to smog formation when released into the air. Consequently, measures and regulations are in place to control its emissions and ensure the safe handling and transportation of paraxylene.

Common Misspellings for PARAXYLENE

The word "Paraxylene" is derived from two components: "para" and "xylene".

The prefix "para" comes from the Greek word "pará", which means "beside" or "alongside". In the context of chemistry, "para-" is used to indicate the arrangement of atoms or groups on different carbon atoms of a benzene ring, which are adjacent or located opposite to each other.

The term "xylene" refers to a group of isomeric aromatic hydrocarbons. Xylene is derived from the word "xyl(o)-", which means "wood", as it was originally obtained from coal tar, which is a product of wood distillation. The final "-ene" in "xylene" indicates it belongs to the family of hydrocarbons known as alkenes, which implies the presence of a double bond between carbon atoms in its chemical structure.