Xylene (98-99%) - Pure
What is xylene?
Xylene is any of three organic compounds with the formula (CH₃)₂C₆H₄. It is formed by substituting two hydrogen atoms in a benzene ring with methyl groups; which hydrogen atoms are replaced determines the formation of one of three structural isomers. Xylene is a colorless, flammable, slightly oily liquid. The mixture of isomers is called both "xylene" and, more precisely, "xylenes."
Xylene (100%) - Pure for Analysis available here
Consistent quality:
We supply only high-quality xylene 98.0–99.0%—a mixture of isomers that provides reliable and repeatable properties for all applications. A pure mixture of isomers without added ethylbenzene ensures you receive a top-quality product that meets the highest laboratory standards.
Shipping from our Manchester, UK facility:
The product is sourced and bottled in non-toxic, chemical-resistant containers to ensure safe handling and quality preservation during transportation.
Why PURE xylene?
1. Clarity of preparations (clearing):
Xylene is used to remove paraffin and prepare the preparation for mounting under a slide.
If xylene contains impurities (e.g. metals, organic residues), it may cause tissue clouding or insufficient cleaning , which will result in less sharp images under the microscope.
Glass distilled xylene minimizes this risk – the tissues are transparent and the preparations look "clean" and clear.
2. Staining result (staining quality):
Chemical contaminants may interfere with dyes (e.g. hematoxylin, eosin) – weakening their effect or changing their colors.
This results in pale, patchy or abnormal staining .
Glass-distilled xylene ensures that the dyes work as they should and that the colors are correct and stable.
3. Attaching the cover glass (mounting):
If xylene has impurities, chemical reactions may occur with the mounting medium (e.g. resin, Canada balsam).
This may lead to air bubbles , dulling or peeling of the glass over time .
"Glass distilled" minimizes such problems - the preparations are durable and aesthetic.
4. Archival stability of preparations:
In histopathological work, preparations must be stored for years .
Contaminated xylene may cause staining degeneration or tissue destruction over time (e.g. browning, loss of detail).
Preparations prepared with pure xylene are stable for decades .
Ethylbenzene is classified by the IARC as a probable carcinogen , while pure xylene is not classified as a carcinogen. Avoiding ethylbenzene in xylene reduces the hazards of working with this reagent.

