Some mixed xylenes are used as solvents and in the printing, rubber, and leather industries. However, most mixed xylenes are separated and the individual isomers consumed in specific end-uses. Para-xylene is primarily used as a feedstock for terephthalic acid, a key component in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins. Ortho-xylene is used in plasticisers, medicines, and dyes.
Mixed xylenes are also a desirable gasoline component, but are blended less often than toluene because there is greater demand and higher value in their chemical applications.