Dimethylbenzene

/ˌdaɪˈmɛθəlˈbɛnzin/ noun

Definition

A colorless liquid hydrocarbon with the formula C₆H₃(CH₃)₂, better known as xylene, widely used as a solvent in paints, varnishes, and industrial processes.

Etymology

From dimethyl (two methyl groups) + benzene (the six-carbon aromatic ring). Benzene comes from benzoin resin. Dimethylbenzene is the systematic IUPAC name for xylene.

Kelly Says

Xylene (dimethylbenzene) exists in three different arrangements—ortho, meta, and para—where the methyl groups sit in different positions on the ring, and they have surprisingly different properties despite identical formulas.

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