Xylene is a colourless fluid that includes the three isomers of dimethylbenzene. Its boiling point is between 138 and 144 °C. Xylene has the formula C8H10 and the structural formula C6H4(CH3)2. It exists in three forms: ortho- (o-xylene), meta- (m-xylene), and para- (p-xylene).
The compound is obtained by catalytic reforming of petroleum. Like toluene, xylene is an element in petrol.
It has historically been used in dissolvents, but the use has been reduced due to the environmental aspects.