Xylene is widely used as a solvent in various industries due to its effectiveness in dissolving oils, resins, and polymers. It is commonly found in paint thinners, varnishes, and adhesives, where it helps control viscosity and improve application properties. In the printing industry, xylene is used to clean ink from equipment and maintain print quality. It also serves as a cleaning agent in the electronics and metalworking sectors for degreasing parts. In laboratories, xylene is used in histology for tissue processing and clearing during microscopic examination. Additionally, it acts as a feedstock in the production of terephthalic acid and dimethyl terephthalate, which are key intermediates in manufacturing polyester fibers and plastics.