Xylene is a colourless, flammable liquid with a sweet odour that exists in three forms:

meta-xylene, ortho-xylene and para-xylene. The three different forms are known as isomers. Xylene occurs naturally in petroleum products and crude oil. The majority of commercial xylene is manufactured from crude oil

Xylene is used as a solvent and may be found in consumer and industrial solvents. It is used in various different products including glues and sealants, polishes and waxes, anti-freeze products and cleaning products. It is also used as a chemical intermediate in the production of other industrial chemicals and in the rubber, plastics and leather industries.

Commercial xylene is usually a mix of the xylene isomers, with m-xylene being present in the highest concentration.