Xylene solvent (also known as dimethylbenzene or xylol) is a clear, colorless, highly flammable aromatic hydrocarbon liquid widely used as a heavy-duty industrial solvent. Naturally occurring in petroleum and coal tar, commercial xylene is typically a mixture of three chemical isomers (ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene) known for a characteristic sweet odor, strong solvency power, and a moderate evaporation rate. Because it is insoluble in water, it is highly effective at dissolving or thinning nonpolar substances like oils, resins, waxes, and synthetic polymers that water-based cleaners cannot touch.