Paraxylene (PX) – High-Purity Supply for PTA

Chemical Name: p-Xylene (1,4-Dimethylbenzene)
Chemical Formula: C₈H₁₀ (C₆H₄(CH₃)₂)
CAS Number: 106-42-3
HS Code: 2902.43
UN Number: 1307 (Xylenes; Flammable Liquid, Class 3; Packing Group III)
Also Known As: PX, Para-xylene, p-Xylene, 1,4-Xylene
Traded Standard: High-purity grade, ≥ 99.7% wt, per ASTM D5136 or the buyer’s PTA plant specification

Paraxylene is the feedstock for purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and, to a lesser extent, DMT. PTA and MEG together make polyester, so almost all paraxylene ends up in polyester fibre, PET bottles and film. Asia is the centre of the market. India is both a large producer and a large user, and its PTA plants buy imported and domestic parcels.

Ametheus supplies high-purity paraxylene on FOB, CFR/CIF and ex-tank terms to PTA and DMT producers, aromatics users and trade partners. PX trades mostly in bulk parcels; ISO tanks are available for smaller users. We supply from established producing regions, work on a contract basis and do not sell retail.

Technical Specifications

Typical high-purity limits. Final specification and Certificate of Analysis are confirmed on each contract.

Parameter Unit Typical Limit (High Purity) Test Method
Appearance — Clear liquid, free from sediment and haze Visual
Paraxylene Purity % wt 99.7 min ASTM D5917 / D3798
Ethylbenzene % wt Report (typically ≤ 0.10) ASTM D5917
Metaxylene % wt Report (typically ≤ 0.15) ASTM D5917
Orthoxylene % wt Report (typically ≤ 0.05) ASTM D5917
Toluene % wt Report (typically ≤ 0.05) ASTM D5917
Total Non-Aromatics % wt 0.10 max ASTM D5917
Colour Pt-Co 10 max ASTM D1209 / D5386
Acid Wash Colour — 2 max ASTM D848
Total Sulphur mg/kg 1.0 max ASTM D5453
Relative Density (15.56/15.56°C) — 0.864 – 0.866 ASTM D4052
Distillation Range (760 mmHg) °C 1.0 max, incl. 138.3 ASTM D850 / D1078
Freezing Point °C Report (≈ 13.2 for pure PX) ASTM D1015

Physical notes: Molecular weight 106.17 g/mol. Boiling point ≈ 138°C. Freezing point ≈ 13°C. Flash point ≈ 27°C (closed cup). Paraxylene does not mix with water.

Buying note: Paraxylene freezes at about 13°C. Parcels moving through cold ports or in winter need heated tanks, heating coils or insulated ISO tanks, so tell us your terminal and season when you enquire.

Key Applications

PTA (dominant use)

  • Purified terephthalic acid (PTA) for polyester staple fibre and filament yarn
  • PTA for PET bottle resin and PET film

Other Derivatives

  • Dimethyl terephthalate (DMT)
  • Speciality polyesters (PBT, PTT) by way of PTA or DMT
  • Solvent and aromatics intermediate in smaller volumes

Packaging & Logistics

  • Bulk chemical tanker parcels (typically 5,000 – 30,000 MT) into coastal terminals, with heating where needed
  • ISO tank containers (about 20 – 22 MT net), with steam coils or insulation for cold routes
  • Road tankers ex-tank for domestic deliveries, where available

Load-port inspection is done by an independent surveyor (SGS, Intertek, Saybolt or similar). Before loading, the surveyor checks prior cargoes and carries out a wall-wash, because PTA plants are sensitive to contamination. For bulk stems, shore-tank and ship-tank samples are kept.

Storage & Handling

Paraxylene is flammable and harmful if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

  • Store in clean carbon-steel or stainless tanks with nitrogen blanketing or floating roofs, away from heat and ignition sources.
  • Keep tanks and lines above the freezing point (about 13°C). Heat-trace lines in cold weather.
  • Ground and bond all transfers. Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment.
  • Use appropriate PPE: chemical-resistant gloves, goggles and, where needed, respiratory protection.
  • Domestic receipt and storage in India require the buyer’s statutory licences (e.g. PESO) and any applicable state permits.
  • Shipped as UN 1307, Class 3, PG III under IMDG. Full SDS is available on request.

Commercial Terms

  • Incoterms 2020: FOB load port, CFR / CIF discharge port (e.g. Hazira, Dahej, Haldia, Kandla), or ex-tank
  • Pricing: Fixed price per MT, or formula-linked to recognised benchmarks (e.g. Platts / ICIS / Argus PX CFR Taiwan / China, or the Asian Contract Price), as agreed
  • Payment: LC or CAD against documents on first contracts
  • Quality: Load-port and/or discharge inspection as agreed. COA, SDS and Certificate of Origin are provided.
  • Lots: Mainly bulk parcels; ISO-tank quantities for smaller users, depending on origin and the discharge terminal

Why Ametheus

Inquiry

For current availability, grade, quantity and delivery window, contact the commodities desk with:

  • Product & grade (high-purity PX, or your PTA plant specification)
  • Quantity (per lift and annual volume)
  • Discharge port / delivery location and whether tanks are heated
  • Delivery window
  • Preferred Incoterm and packaging (bulk, ISO tank)

Commodities desk
Ametheus Holdings Pvt Ltd
[email protected] | [email protected]
New buyers: please complete the Preliminary KYC form or contact us.

We respond on live enquiries. Bulk quantities only; we do not sell samples or retail lots.

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