X
xanthan. A synthetic, water-soluble bipolymer
made by fermentation of carbohydrates; it is a thick-
ening and suspending agent that is heat stable, with
good tolerance for strongly acidic and basic solu-
tions. Viscosity remains stable over wide tempera-
ture range.
Use: In drilling fluids, ore flotation, and the food and
pharmaceutical fields, especially in prepared mixed
and high-protein fast foods. An experimental use is
to flood oil fields as an aid to enhanced recovery.
xanthate. A salt (usually potassium or sodium) of
a xanthic acid. Available as yellow pelletized solids
having a pungent odor; soluble in water. Examples
are potassium amyl xanthate, potassium ethyl xant-
hate, sodium isobutyl xanthate, sodium isopropyl
xanthate.
Use: Collector agents in the flotation of sulfide min-
erals, metallic elements such as copper, silver, gold,
and some oxidized minerals of lead and copper.
See cellulose xanthate; viscose process.
xanthene. (dibenzopyran, tricyclic).
CH2(C6H4)2O. The central structure of the fluoros-
cein, eosin, and rhodamine dyes.
Properties: Yellowish, crystalline leaflets. Mp
100.5C, bp 315C. Soluble in ether; slightly soluble
in alcohol; very slightly soluble in water.
Derivation: By the condensation of phenol and o-
cresol by means of aluminum chloride.
Use: Organic synthesis, fungicide.
xanthene dye. A group of dyes whose molecu-
lar structure is related to that of xanthene. The aro-
matic (C6H4) groups constitute the chromophore. CI
ranges from 45000 to 45999. The dyes are closely
related structurally to diaryl methane dyes. Eosin
(CI 45380) is an example.
xanthenol. See xanthydrol.
xanthic acid. (xanthogenic acid). A substitut-
ed dithiocarbonic acid of the type ROC(S)SH, in
which R is ordinarily an alkyl radical. Xanthic acid
salts are called xanthates. Unless otherwise desig-
nated, xanthic acid is understood to be the ethyl
derivative (C2H5OC(S)SH), also called ethylxanthic
acid.
Properties: Liquid. Mp −53C, decomposing at room
temperature.
xanthine. (dioxopurine).
CAS: 69-89-6. C5H4N4O2. A purine base occurring in
the blood and urine and in some plants. Theophyl-
line and theobromine, the alkaloids of tea and cocoa,
1334
respectively, are both dimethylxanthines; caffeine
in coffee is a trimethylxanthine.
Properties: Yellowish-white powder. Sublimes with
partial decomposition; soluble in potassium hydrox-
ide; insoluble in water and acid.
Derivation: By the action of nitrous acid on guanine.
Grade: Technical, CP, monohydrate, sodium salt,
radioactive forms available.
Hazard: Toxic by ingestion.
Use: Organic synthesis, medicine.
xanthine oxidase. An enzyme found in animal
tissues that acts upon hypoxanthine, xanthine, alde-
hydes, reduced coenzyme I, etc. producing, respec-
tively, xanthine, uric acid, acids, oxidized coenzyme
I, etc.
Use: Biochemical research.
xanthogenic acid. See xanthic acid.
xanthone. (benzophenone oxide; dibenzopy-
rone; xanthene ketone).
CAS: 90-47-1. CO(C6H4)2O. Tricyclic; occurs in
some plant pigments.
Properties: White needles or crystalline powder. Mp
173–4C, bp 350C, sublimes. Insoluble in water;
soluble in alcohol, chloroform, and benzene, espe-
cially when hot.
Use: Larvicide; intermediate for dyes, perfumes, and
pharmaceuticals.
xanthophyll. C40H56O2.
Properties: Yellow pigment. An oxygenated carot-
enoid occurring in green vegetation and in some
animal products, notably egg yolk. Mp 190–3C.
Insoluble in water; slightly soluble in alcohol and
ether.
See lutein; carotenoid.
xanthopterin. (2-amino-4,6-dihydroxypteri-
dine). C6H5N5O2•H2O. Pigment found in the wings
of butterflies; can be converted by yeast into folic
acid.
Properties: Orange-yellow crystals. Sinters at 360C,
decomposes above 410C. Practically insoluble in
water; freely soluble in dilute ammonium or sodium
hydroxide giving yellow solutions and in 2N hydro-
chloric acid giving colorless solutions.
Use: Biochemical research.
xanthydrol. (xanthenol).
CAS: 90-46-0. HCOH(C6H4)2O. A derivative of
xanthene.
Properties: White powder. Mp 123C. Insoluble in
water; soluble in alcohol.
 1335
Derivation: Reduction of xanthone with alcohol and
sodium.
Grade: CP (analytical).
Use: Determination of urea and DDT.
xatral.
CAS: 81403-68-1. mf: C19H27N5O4•ClH.
Hazard: A poison.
X chromosome. One of the two sex chromo-
somes, X and Y.
See Y chromosome; sex chromosome.
Xe. Symbol for xenon.
xenograft. Tissue or organs from an individual of
one species transplanted into or grafted onto an
organism of another species, genus, or family. A
common example is the use of pig heart valves in
humans.
3-(2-xenolyl)-1,2-epoxypropane.
Use: Food additive; plasticizer.
xenon. Xe. Element of atomic number 54, noble
gas group of the periodic table, aw 131.30, valences
= 2, 4, 6, 8; nine stable isotopes.
Properties: Colorless, odorless gas or liquid. Gas (at
STP) has d 5.8971 g/L (air = 1.29 g/L), dielectric
constant 1.0012 (25C) (1 atm); liquid has bp
−108.12C (1 mm Hg), d (at bp) of 1.987 g/cc; lique-
faction temp −106.9C. Chemically unreactive but
not completely inert. Noncombustible.
Derivation: Fractional distillation of liquid air.
Use: Luminescent tubes, flash lamps in photography,
fluorimetry, lasers, tracer studies, anesthesia.
See noble gas; xenon compounds.
xenon compounds. Xenon tetrafluoride, XeF4,
is easily prepared by mixing fluorine and xenon in
gaseous form, heating in a nickel vessel to 400C, and
cooling. The product forms large, colorless crystals.
The difluoride and hexafluoride, XeF2 and XeF6,
also colorless crystals, can be obtained somewhat
similarly. The hexafluoride melts to a yellow liquid
at 50C and boils at 75C. Many xenon fluorine com-
plexes with other compounds are also known. Xe-
non oxytetrafluoride, XeOF4, a volatile liquid at
room temperature, is obtained from the reaction of
xenon hexafluoride and silica. Gram amounts have
been isolated and studied.
All these fluorides must be protected from moisture
to avoid formation of xenon trioxide, XeO3, a color-
less, nonvolatile solid that is dangerously explosive
when dry. Its solution, the so-called xenic acid, is a
stable weak acid but a strong oxidizing agent, which
will even liberate chlorine from hydrochloric acid.
In an alkaline solution, xenon trioxide reacts to give
free xenon and perxenate, such as Na4XeO6•8H2O.
Perxenates are probably the most powerful oxidiz-
ing agents known, just as the xenon fluorides are
extremely effective fluorinating agents.
X-RADIATION
Complex compounds containing nitrogen bonded to
xenon have also been prepared.
Hazard: Toxic by inhalation; oxidizing agents,
strong irritant.
xenyl. The biphenyl group C6H5C6H4−.
p-xenylamine. See p-aminodiphenyl.
xerography. A “dry” method of photography or
photocopying. A metal plate is covered with a layer
of photoconductive powder, such as selenium; the
surface of this plate is given an electric charge by
passing it under a series of charged wires. An image
of the material to be photographed is projected onto
the charged plate through a camera lens. The electric
charges disappear in the areas exposed to light, but
elsewhere the surface retains its charge. A powder
consisting of a coarse carrier and a fine developing
resin is then spread over the plate. Adhesion be-
tween powder and plate occurs only at the charged
areas. Elsewhere developing resin and carrier are
not retained on the plate, which thus has become a
negative of the original image. A positive is ob-
tained by placing a piece of paper against the plate
and applying an electric charge as in the first stage of
the process. This causes adhesion of developing
resin and its carrier to the paper. This positive print is
fixed by heating in a press for a few seconds to melt
the developing resin and fuse it to the paper. Colored
prints are possible by use of suitable developing
resins. Various materials other than paper can thus
be printed.
xibornol. (6-isobornyl-3,4-xylenol). C18H26O.
Properties: Crystalline solid or viscous, yellowish
liquid. D 1.02, refr index 1.538.
Use: Antibacterial agent, rubber antioxidant.
X-linked. Shortened form for cross-linked, e.g.,
X-linked polyethylene.
XLPE. Trade abbreviation for cross-linked poly-
ethylene.
XPS. Abbreviation for X-ray photoelectron spec-
troscopy.
x-radiation. (Roentgen rays; x rays). Electro-
magnetic radiation of extremely short wavelength
(0.06–120 Å), emitted as the result of electron tran-
sitions in the inner orbits of heavy atoms bombarded
by cathode rays in a vacuum tube. Those of the
shortest wavelength have the highest intensity and
are called “hard” X rays. X-radiation was discov-
ered by Roentgen in 1898. Its properties are (1)
penetration of solids of moderate density, such as
human tissue but retardation by bone, barium sul-
fate, lead, and other dense materials. (2) Action on
photographic plates and fluorescent screens. (3) Ion-
ization of the gases through which they pass. (4)
Ability to damage or destroy diseased tissue; there is
“XYDAR”
also a cumulative deleterious effect on healthy
tissue.
Hazard: Overexposure can permanently damage
cells and tissue structures; effect is cumulative.
Use: Spectrometry; structure determination of mole-
cules, cancer therapy, diagnostic medicine, nonde-
structive testing of metals, identification of original
paintings, preservation of foods.
See radiation, ionizing; diffraction; roentgen.
“Xydar” Solvay Advanced. TM for liquid
crystal polymer glass/mineral combination product.
Use: Microwave cabinets; cookware; automotive and
electronic components.
xylene. (dimethylbenzene).
CAS: 1330-20-7. C6H4(CH3)2. A commercial mix-
ture of the three isomers, o-, m-, and p-xylene. The
last two predominate.
Properties: Clear liquid. D about 0.86. See under
Grade for boiling range, flash p 81–115F
(27.2–46.1C) (TOC). Soluble in alcohol and ether;
insoluble in water.
Derivation: (1) Fractional distillation from petrole-
um (90%), coal tar, or coal gas, (2) by catalytic
reforming from petroleum, followed by separation
of p-xylene by continuous crystallization, (3) from
toluene by transalkylation.
Grade: Nitration (bp range 137.2–140.5C), 4 de-
grees (bp range 138–134C), 5 degrees (bp range
137–142C, high in m-isomer), 10 degrees (bp range
135–145C), industrial (bp 90% 40C, complete
160C). Also other grades depending on use. In some
cases one or another of the industrial isomers is
partially removed for use in chemical production.
Hazard: Flammable, moderate fire risk. Toxic by
ingestion and inhalation. TLV: 100 ppm; STEL 150
ppm; not classifiable as a human carcinogen.
Use: Aviation gasoline; protective coatings; solvent
for alkyd resins, lacquers, enamels, rubber cements;
synthesis of organic chemicals.
m-xylene. (1,3-dimethylbenzene).
CAS: 108-38-3. 1,3-C6H4(CH3)2.
Properties: Clear, colorless liquid. D 0.8684 (15C),
fp −47.4C, bp 138.8C, refr index 1.4973 (20C), flash
p 85F (29.4C), autoign temp 982F (527.7C). Soluble
in alcohol and ether; insoluble in water.
Derivation: Selective crystallization or solvent ex-
traction of m, p-mixture.
Grade: 95% (technical), 99%, 99.9% (research).
Hazard: Flammable, moderate fire risk. TLV: 100
ppm; STEL 150 ppm; not classifiable as a human
carcinogen.
Use: Solvent; intermediate for dyes and organic syn-
1336
thesis, especially isophthalic acid; insecticides; avi-
ation fuel.
m-xylene-␣,␣′-diamine. (MXDA; m-pheny-
lenebis(methylamine)).
CAS: 1477-55-0. mf: C8H12N2.
Properties: A liquid. Mw 136.22, bp 245−248C.
Hazard: Moderately toxic by skin contact and inges-
tion. Mildly toxic by inhalation. A severe skin and
eye irritant. TLV: TWA ceiling of 0.1 mg/m3. Toxic
by skin absorption.
Use: Manufacture of polyamide fibers and resins, as a
curing agent.
o-xylene. (1,2-dimethylbenzene).
CAS: 95-47-6. 1,2-C6H4(CH3)2.
Properties: Clear, colorless liquid. D 0.880 (20/4C),
fp −25C, bp 144C, refr index 1.505 (20C), flash p
115F (46.1C) (TOC), autoign temp 867F (463.8C).
Soluble in alcohol and ether; insoluble in water.
Combustible.
Grade: 99%, free of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur
dioxide, technical 95%, research 99.9%.
Hazard: Moderate fire risk. TLV: 100 ppm; STEL
150 ppm; not classifiable as a human carcinogen.
Use: Manufacture of phthalic anhydride, vitamin and
pharmaceutical syntheses, dyes, insecticides, motor
fuels.
p-xylene. (1,4-dimethylbenzene).
CAS: 106-42-3. 1,4-C6H4(CH3)2.
Properties: Colorless liquid. D 0.8611 (20C), mp
13.2C, bp 138.5C, refr index 1.5004 (21C), flash p
81F (27.2C) (TOC). Crystallizes at low temperature.
Soluble in alcohol and ether; insoluble in water.
Derivation: Selective crystallization or solvent ex-
traction of m-, p-mixture; separation from mixed-
xylene feedstocks by adsorption.
Hazard: Flammable, dangerous fire risk. TLV: 100
ppm; STEL 150 ppm; not classifiable as a human
carcinogen.
Use: Synthesis of terephthalic acid for polyester res-
ins and fibers (“Dacron,” “Mylar,” “Terylene”), vi-
tamin and pharmaceutical syntheses, insecticides.
p-xylene-␣,␣′-diol. C6H4(CH2OH)2.
 1337
Properties: White, crystalline solid. Mp 118C, bp
138–144C (0.8–1.0 mm Hg). Slightly soluble in
water (25C).
Grade: 98%.
Use: Polyester resins.
xylenol. (dimethylphenol; hydroxydimethylben-
zene; dimethylhydroxybenzene).
CAS: 1300-71-6. (CH3)2C6H3OH. There are five iso-
mers (2,4-; 2,5-; 2,6-; 3,4-; 3,5-). This entry de-
scribes the commercially offered mixture.
Properties: White, crystalline solid. D 1.02–1.03
(15C), mp 20–76C, bp 203–225C. Only slightly
soluble in water; soluble in most organic solvents
and caustic soda solution. Combustible.
Derivation: Cresylic acid or tar acid fraction of coal
tar.
Hazard: Toxic by ingestion and skin absorption.
Use: Disinfectants, solvents, pharmaceuticals, insec-
ticides and fungicides, plasticizers, rubber chemi-
cals, additives to lubricants and gasolines, manufac-
ture of polyphenylene oxide (2,6-isomer only),
wetting agents, dyestuffs.
xylidine. (aminodimethylbenzene; aminoxy-
lene).
CAS: 1300-73-8. (CH3)2C6H3NH2. A varying mix-
ture of isomers (2,3-; 2,4-; 2,5-; 2,6-).
Properties: Liquid. D 0.97–0.99, bp 213–226C,
flash p 206F (96.6C) (CC). Slightly soluble in water;
soluble in alcohol and ether. Combustible.
Derivation: Nitration of xylene and subsequent re-
duction.
Hazard: Toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin
absorption. TLV: 0.5 ppm; animal carcinogen.
Use: Dye intermediate, organic syntheses, pharma-
ceuticals.
3,4-xylidino-2-oxazoline.
CAS: 23420-61-3. mf: C11H14N2O.
Hazard: A poison.
((2,6-XYLYL)SULFINYL)
xylocaine. Preparation of lignocaine hydrochlo-
ride.
Use: Local anesthetic.
xylol. Commercial-grade xylene, a mixture of iso-
mers and other benzene derivatives.
xylopic acid.
Properties: Xylopia aethiopica. Family Annonacea.
CAS: 6619-97-2. mf: C22H32O4.
Hazard: A poison by ingestion.
D(+)-xylose. (wood sugar).
CAS: 58-86-6. C5H10O5. (not to be confused with
phenylosazone of the same name).
Properties: White, crystalline, dextrorotatory pow-
der; sweet taste. D 1.525 (20C), mp 144C (also given
as 153C). Soluble in water and alcohol. Combus-
tible.
Derivation: Hydrolysis with hot dilute acids of
wood, straw, corncobs, etc.; wood pulp wastes.
Grade: Reagent, technical.
Use: Dyeing, tanning, diabetic food, source of eth-
anol.
xylyl bromide. (␣-bromoxylene).
CAS: 35884-77-6. CH3C6H4CH2Br. Mixed o-, m-,
and p-isomers.
Properties: Colorless liquid; pleasant aromatic odor.
Decomposed slowly by water, d 1.4, bp 210–220C.
Combustible.
Derivation: Bromination of xylene.
Grade: Technical.
Hazard: Toxic by inhalation and ingestion; strong
irritant to eyes, skin, and tissue.
Use: Organic synthesis, tear gas.
m-xylyl chloride. CH3C6H4CH2Cl.
Properties: Colorless liquid. Bp 196, d 1.064. Com-
bustible.
Hazard: Toxic by ingestion and inhalation, strong
irritant to eyes and skin.
Use: Intermediate.
p-xylylene. CH2:C6H4:CH2. A monomer.
See parylene.
n-2,3-xylylmaleimide.
CAS: 31581-09-6. mf: C12H11NO2.
Hazard: Low toxicity by ingestion and inhalation. A
severe eye irritant.
((2,6-xylyl)sulfinyl)methylcarbamic acid-
2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl
ester.
CAS: 77248-44-3. mf: C20H23NO5S.
Hazard: A poison by ingestion.
Use: Agricultural chemical.