A volatile liquid hydrocarbon obtained by distilling wood, coal tar, or petroleum, used in fuels and solvents and in chemical synthesis.
Alternative name: dimethylbenzene; chemical formula: C₆H₄(CH₃)₂; three isomers
‘Petroleum fuels contain several toxic compounds, including benzene, toluene and xylene - all considered carcinogens.’
‘Fuels such as petroleum are mixtures of various hydrocarbons, and may contain benzene, toluene, xylene, and styrene, and other components.’
‘If you do insist on using solvents, avoid low-flash point solvents like gasoline, xylene, lacquer thinner, etc. which are dangerously flammable.’
‘But many other chemicals linked to reproductive health problems, including xylene, trichloroethylene, phenols, and acetone, remain in use.’
‘But since the early 1920s, the oil companies have been blocking ethanol use - while using toxic substance like lead, benzene, toluene and xylene.’
‘It was unpromising stuff, but Hofmann and others had discovered that by distillation one could separate from it several carbon-rich, odorous organic compounds such as benzene, toluene, xylene, and phenol.’