|
Xylidine is the
trivial name of dimethylaniline, (CH3)2C6H3NH2. There are six structural isomers. The names
of six compounds indicate methyl group positions relative to the amino on
the benzene ring. They can be obtained from coal tar as by-products in
the fractional distillation or can be prepared by heating aniline
hydrochloride with methanol at 220 C. Xylidine is an aniline homologue
and has similar properties of aromatic amine. Xylidines are brown
liquids at room temperature except 3,4-Xylidine. They are sparingly
soluble in water but miscible with ethanol and diethyl ether. They are
sensitive to air and light and tend to darken on storage. They are toxic
if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Xylidines and derivatives
are widely used as raw materials to produce imaging chemicals like
pigments and dyestuffs. All of these compounds are also used in the
production of antioxidants, agricultural, pharmaceutical, rubber
chemicals and other target organic molecules.
|
