2,6-Xylenol stands out as a member of the dimethylphenol family and goes by the molecular formula C8H10O, with a CAS number of 576-26-1. This compound comes from crude oil refineries through a series of purification steps, and chemists frequently rely on its stable benzene ring paired with two adjacent methyl groups. 2,6-Xylenol usually shows up in industry as a solid or crystalline material, sometimes as off-white flakes, a powder, or as fine pearls. Its most important uses connect directly to resin manufacture, especially in the realm of polyphenylene oxide resins, while many chemists have used it along the way developing new flame retardants and antioxidants.
2,6-Xylenol features two methyl groups at the 2 and 6 positions of the phenol ring, creating a specific molecular structure that influences both its reactivity and physical form. Chemists note a molecular weight of 122.16 g/mol. Solid 2,6-Xylenol appears in translucent or pale, needle-like crystals or irregular flakes, gradually turning brown if left exposed to air. Its melting point lands close to 110°C and it boils at 205°C, giving it a good working range for melts and distillations. 2,6-Xylenol supports a density of about 1.06 g/cm³ at 20°C. In water, its solubility drops to a modest 0.8 g per liter at 20°C—definitely not a water-soluble compound—while it dissolves much more easily in organic solvents such as alcohol, ether, or acetone. These characteristics matter not only for engineers but also for safety officers handling bulk chemicals under harsh or changing conditions.
Producers and shippers typically follow HS Code 29071300 when dealing with 2,6-Xylenol as a chemical commodity. Market supplies usually guarantee a purity above 99%, with moisture levels below 0.5%, and residual ash under 0.1%. Such assurance helps downstream manufacturers avoid interruptions, especially in the fields of plastics and resins. Shipments come in 25-kilogram fiber drums or larger bulk bags, tightly sealed to limit both environmental contamination and health risks for workers. Over the years, buyers and regulatory bodies have tightened their focus on trace metal contents and residual solvents, forcing steady quality control checks across international supply chains.
This chemical acts as a critical raw material in the manufacture of polyphenylene oxide (PPO), a well-known engineering plastic famous for heat resistance, mechanical strength, and electrical insulation. You’ll also see 2,6-Xylenol feeding into the creation of antioxidants, which safeguard polymers and lubricating oils from oxidative breakdown. Its properties make its molecular backbone valuable in other sectors, fueling demand for certain agrochemicals and specialty pigments. Processing 2,6-Xylenol from crude forms into high-purity products takes energy and refined technology, but access to good supply makes modern plastics possible—think circuit boards, durable housings, and advanced insulation.
2,6-Xylenol does not come without risks. Its classification as a hazardous substance reflects proven harmful effects if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through skin. Toxicity data show problems such as irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes, and both short- and long-term exposure can influence liver and kidney function. In my training as a chemical engineer, handling phenols always meant strict adherence to local exhaust ventilation and full personal protective equipment—chemical gloves, goggles, and impermeable clothing. Emergency data sheets instruct immediate washing with plenty of water and call for medical attention even for minor spills. Storage should focus on cool, dry, well-ventilated spaces, away from flames or sources of oxidation. Regulatory attention continues to grow due to the compound’s persistence in aquatic environments. Researchers and plant operators have started favoring closed systems and in-line scrubbing to minimize emissions, reducing risk of soil and water contamination.
Safer manufacturing and supply chains come down to robust process design and strict monitoring. Implementing advanced scrubber systems, investing in sealed transfer lines, and training staff in emergency protocols will keep both workers and surrounding communities protected. Upgrading detection tools that catch accidental leaks or overexposures early can mean the difference between minor incidents and lasting harm. Using closed reactors and automatic unloading systems also cuts direct contact for workers. Waste management—especially the treatment of wash water and spent solvents—has seen new solutions in catalytic oxidation and biological treatment to break down residual phenols before discharge. Companies that take environmental responsibility seriously have started seeking alternative, less toxic phenolic intermediates, aiming to limit legacy contamination once products leave the plant. That ongoing shift, alongside updated safety laws and better monitoring, points toward a safer, cleaner future for both people and wildlife.
