Ortho-Xylene Market

Ortho-Xylene Market Overview

The ortho-xylene market is growing at an average rate 4.2% CAGR during the forecast period.

“Phosphoric anhydride is an essential chemical intermediate in the plastics industry from which many phthalate esters that operate as plasticizers in synthetic resins have been generated. Ortho xylene uses and these broad features are boosting its market demand, which is driving the ortho-xylene market.”

In humans, however, acute inhalation or exposure to ortho-xylene produces ocular discomfort. It has neurological affects as well. Furthermore, chronic exposure to ortho-xylenes has been shown to have negative effects on the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and kidneys.

Ortho-xylene structure and its aggressive reaction with oxidants can cause fires and explosions. As a result, governments around the world have put strict restrictions on the use of ortho-xylene. This is anticipated to have a negative impact on the ortho-xylene market in the near future.

Which are the Crucial Ortho-xylene Market Segments?

“Ortho-xylene price is anticipated to weaken due to weak downstream conditions in the purified terephthalic acid and paraxylene sectors in Asia.”

Xylenes are petrochemicals produced by catalytic reforming and coal carbonization in the manufacture of coke fuel. They are used in various industries and medical technology as a solvent. It occurs naturally in coal, wood tar and coal among others. Xylenes are mainly produced as a part of the BTX aromatics.

They are derived from various sources within a refinery including pyrolysis gasoline, toluene disproportionation and reformate among others. Reformate accounts for over three fourths of mixed xylenes market. There are three types of xylenes, viz., ortho-xylene, meta xylene and para xylene.

Ortho-xylene is a commercial isomer of xylene. It is a hydrocarbon based on benzene with two methyl substituents bonded to the aromatic ring. It is liquid at room temperature. It is used extensively for transmuting ortho xylene to phthalic anhydride (PAN)-primarily do-octyl phthalate for PVC.

The major use for PAN is for producing plasticizers which are largely used in automobile and construction industry. In addition, it is used in solvent-based paints. It is extracted by means of distillation from xylene stream in a plant designed for para-xylene production. It is a constitutional isomer of m-xylene and p-xylene.

Moreover, it is produced with its isomers paraxylene, meta xylene and ethylbenzene. Friedel Craft’s alkylation of toluene yields a mixture of ortho-xylene. This reaction gives a pure form of o-xylene.

Furthermore, it is used in alkyd resins having wide applications in the coating industry. It has a large demand for ortho-xylene in the petrochemical industry.

What are the Key Ortho-xylene Market Trends?

“Phosphoric anhydride is frequently utilised in the automotive and aviation industries as it can be easily cut, shaped, welded, and joined in a variety of forms. This will boost the demand for phthalic anhydride which, in turn, pushes the ortho-xylene market further.”

The growing construction industry coupled with burgeoning development in the automobile industry is expected to drive the adoption of ortho-xylene within the forecast period.

Additionally, the growing paints and adhesive industry is expected to fuel the demand for ortho-xylene further over the next few years.

Global manufacturing coupled with supply chain and access to feedstock are the key strengths of the companies involved in the ortho-xylene market.

What is the Regional Outlook for the Ortho-xylene Market?

“Abundant opportunities for ortho-xylene manufacturers are available in China, Taiwan, and Singapore for otho-xylene projects during the forecast period.”

Due to the region's expanding automotive and construction sectors, Asia Pacific held the highest share of the ortho-xylene market in 2019, up to 31 percent.

Demand of ortho-xylene in Eastern Europe and Russia is anticipated to be tremendous because of the thriving construction industry in these regions.

China dominated the ortho-xylene production in 2011 and this trend is expected to continue within the forecast period.

 In India, Reliance Industries is a key ortho-xylene manufacturer with a capacity of 150 KTA.Consumption of ortho-xylene in Eastern Europe and Russia is expected to be strong on account of the thriving construction industry.

Key Segments