Overview
ISO 5280:1979 - Xylene for industrial use - Specification sets minimum quality and testing requirements for xylenes intended for industrial purposes. The standard applies to products composed essentially of xylene isomers (C6H4-(CH3)2) and ethylbenzene (C6H5-C2H5). It specifies required characteristics, sampling guidance and references the test methods used to confirm xylene purity, physical properties and absence of objectionable contaminants.
Key keywords: ISO 5280, xylene for industrial use, xylene specification, aromatic hydrocarbons, xylene solvent.
Key topics and requirements
The standard defines essential properties and permissible limits, including:
- Clarity and colour: Must be clear and free from separated impurities; colour not darker than the 20-unit standard (platinum-cobalt/Hazen scale).
- Density: 20 °C density between 0.855 and 0.870 g/ml.
- Water content: Undissolved water at 20 °C - absent.
- Boiling range: Initial boiling point not lower than 137 °C; dry point not higher than 143 °C.
- Residue on evaporation: ≤ 5 mg/100 ml.
- Sulphur content: Total sulphur ≤ 10 mg/kg (test method to be standardized).
- Objectionable sulphur compounds: No greater than slight tarnish on the No. 1 copper strip test; mercaptans (thiols) absent.
- Neutrality: Test for neutrality required.
- Acid-wash test: Acid layer colour not darker than reference standard.
- Sampling: Representative sample of at least 1,000 ml from the bulk.
The document warns that xylene is flammable and toxic by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption and references specific ISO test methods for verification (see Related Standards).
Applications and users
ISO 5280 is primarily used by:
- Chemical manufacturers and solvent producers to certify product quality and xylene solvent specifications.
- Quality control and analytical laboratories conducting acceptance testing or supplier qualification.
- Paints, coatings, adhesives and printing ink formulators requiring consistent aromatic hydrocarbons performance.
- Procurement, regulatory and safety teams specifying material acceptance criteria and ensuring compliance.
- Industrial hygiene and safety professionals assessing hazard communication and handling requirements.
Using ISO 5280 helps ensure consistent performance of xylene in formulations, reduces contamination risks and supports compliance with customer and regulatory specifications.
Related standards
ISO 5280 references several test-method standards, examples include:
These related standards define the laboratory methods used to verify conformity with ISO 5280.
