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Para-xylene is one of three isomers of xylene, a compound with the chemical formula C6H4(CH3)2. The isomers, designated ortho (o), meta (m), and para (p), differ in the arrangement of their two methyl groups on a benzene ring. Para-xylene is obtained from coal tar and petroleum distillates. It can be crystallized in nearly pure form from a mixture of meta and para isomers by cooling. Xylenes are used as solvents, in aviation fuel, and as raw materials for dyes, fibers, and films.1

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  1. para-xylene
  2. xylene
  3. isomerism

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