a. Chem. [f. XYL-ENE + -IC.] Xylic acid: dimethylbenzoic acid, C9H10O2, also called XYLYLIC acid (see quots.).

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1872.  [see XYLIDIC].

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1873.  Watts, Fownes’ Chem. (ed. 11), 817. Xylic and Paraxylic … acid. Ibid. (1879), Dict. Chem., VI. 1129. Xylic or xylylic acid. C9H10O2 = C6H3(CH3)2. CO2H. Two modifications of this acid, distinguished as xylic and paraxylic, are formed, together with xylidic acid … by oxidising pseudocumene … with dilute nitric acid … at the boiling heat.

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