Ortho-xylene, also known as 1,2-dimethylbenzene, is an aromatic hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C8H10. It is one of the three isomers of xylene, with the other two being meta-xylene and para-xylene. Ortho-xylene is a colorless, sweet-smelling liquid that is commonly used as a solvent in various industrial applications.

One of the major uses of ortho-xylene is as a raw material in the production of phthalic anhydride, which is a key intermediate chemical used in the manufacture of plasticizers, resins, and various plastics. It is also utilized as a solvent in the paint and coating industry, where it can dissolve and disperse a wide range of resins and pigments. Additionally, ortho-xylene is employed in the production of chemicals like herbicides and insecticides. It’s important to handle ortho-xylene with care, as it can be harmful if inhaled or comes into contact with the skin.