Xylene is a colorless, sweet-smelling liquid hydrocarbon with a boiling point of about 140 degrees Celsius. It is often used as a solvent for thinning paints, varnishes and lacquers, and for thinning and cleaning rubber and plastic. It is also used in the manufacturing of dyes, plastics, explosives, and pharmaceuticals. Xylene is classified as a hazardous chemical and is toxic when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.