Ortho-xylene

Ortho-xylene is a high-purity aromatic hydrocarbon. B2B buyers should ensure a minimum purity of 98.5% to 99% for chemical synthesis. Key parameters include a distillation range of 143.5°C to 145.5°C, a maximum sulfur content of 1 mg/kg, and a color rating not exceeding 20 on the Pt-Co scale. For the production of Phthalic Anhydride (PA), the non-aromatic content must be strictly controlled below 0.3% to prevent catalyst poisoning.

As a hazardous chemical (Class 3 Flammable Liquid), Ortho-xylene must comply with the GHS (Globally Harmonized System) for labeling and packaging. Suppliers must provide a comprehensive Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). For European markets, REACH registration is mandatory. Ensure the product meets ASTM D5135 or ISO 5272 standards to guarantee chemical consistency and safety during high-temperature industrial processes.

Ortho-xylene is stable under recommended storage conditions but is highly flammable. It should be stored in cool, well-ventilated areas away from heat and ignition sources. Buyers must verify that suppliers use carbon steel or stainless steel tanks with nitrogen blanketing to prevent oxidation and moisture ingress. Regular testing for acidity and peroxide formation is recommended if the product is stored for more than 6 months.

The dominant application is the production of Phthalic Anhydride (PA), which is a precursor for plasticizers, alkyd resins, and polyester resins. It is also used as a solvent in the paint and coatings industry and as an intermediate for bactericides and herbicides. Buyers in the automotive and construction sectors should prioritize suppliers who can provide consistent batch-to-batch viscosity and evaporation rates.

Ortho-xylene is classified under UN Number 1307. It must be shipped in ISO Tanks or specialized chemical tankers that meet international maritime dangerous goods (IMDG) codes. Buyers should confirm the supplier's ability to handle hazardous goods export licenses and ensure the shipping line is equipped for Class 3 flammable liquids. For cost-efficiency, bulk vessel shipping is preferred for orders exceeding 500 tons, while ISO tanks offer better flexibility for smaller industrial batches.

To secure the transaction, utilize Letters of Credit (L/C) or Escrow services provided by reputable platforms like Made-in-China.com. It is vital to mandate a pre-shipment inspection (PSI) by third-party agencies such as SGS or Intertek to verify purity and volume at the loading port. Avoid suppliers who cannot provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for the specific batch being shipped.

Ortho-xylene prices are closely tied to crude oil benchmarks and Mixed Xylene (MX) spreads. Buyers should negotiate based on formula-based pricing (e.g., ICIS or Platts index + alpha) rather than fixed prices for long-term contracts. For spot purchases, monitoring the inventory levels in major hubs like East China or the US Gulf Coast can provide leverage during negotiations. Requesting volume-based discounts for annual off-take agreements can typically reduce costs by 3-7%.

Check the Harmonized System (HS) Code 29024100. Buyers must verify if their country imposes anti-dumping duties (ADD) on Ortho-xylene from specific regions. Ensure all documentation, including the Certificate of Origin, matches the commercial invoice exactly to avoid port delays. In some jurisdictions, a hazardous chemical import permit is required before the vessel arrives at the destination port.