1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene
A high-purity chlorinated aromatic supplied as flakes for dye, agrochemical, and specialty chemical intermediate synthesis and high-temperature process use.
What is 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene?
1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene — 123TCB — is a white crystalline solid with three chlorine atoms on consecutive ring carbons. Unlike its 1,2,4 isomer, which is liquid at room temperature, the symmetry of this arrangement gives a melting point above 50°C.
It is the minor product of trichlorobenzene manufacture, separated from the isomer mixture by crystallisation and distillation. That scarcity, combined with the distinctive consecutive substitution pattern, is what gives it value in synthesis rather than in bulk solvent duty.
At Chelora Chemicals, 123TCB is crystallised and refined with isomer content, melting range, and moisture held to specification for intermediate and specialty process applications.
- Appearance
- White crystalline flakes
- Odour
- Characteristic aromatic
- Solubility
- Practically insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
- Function
- Chemical intermediate
- Grade
- Technical
Formula diagram
Benzene ring chlorinated on three consecutive carbons
- Molecular formulaC6H3Cl3
- Molecular weight181.45 g/mol
- IUPAC name1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene
- Functional groupsAryl chloride
- CAS number87-61-6
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical grade 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | 123TCB, vic-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2,3-TCB |
| CAS number | 87-61-6 |
| Molecular formula | C6H3Cl3 |
| Molecular weight | 181.45 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | White crystalline flakes |
| Melting point | 52–54°C |
| Boiling point | 218–219°C |
| Flash point | > 110°C (closed cup) |
| Isomer content | ≤ 0.5% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.1% |
| Packaging | 25 kg bags, 200 kg drums |
| Shelf life | 24 months from date of manufacture |
Applications of 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene
Dye intermediates
Nitrated and reduced to build chlorinated aromatic colour intermediates.
Agrochemical intermediates
Serves as a starting material for chlorinated crop-protection synthesis routes.
Specialty chemical synthesis
Used where a consecutive trichloro substitution pattern is required on the ring.
High-temperature process solvent
Applied as a stable, high-boiling medium in specialty reaction systems.
Dielectric & heat transfer fluids
Used in selected specialty electrical and heat transfer formulations.
Analytical standards
Supplied as a reference material for chlorobenzene testing in environmental analysis.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene is manufactured, tested, and documented to a standard that formulators and process chemists can build on with confidence — from first sample to full production volume.
Consistent purity
Assay controlled at ≥99% with isomer content and melting range verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 25 kg bags to 200 kg drums and full container loads.
Technical support
Process, handling, and compliance guidance from our chemistry team.
Storage and guidelines
- 01Store in tightly closed original packaging in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store.
- 02Keep below 40°C — the product melts near 53°C and cakes in hot storage.
- 03Keep away from heat, ignition sources, and direct sunlight.
- 04Segregate from strong oxidising agents, strong bases, and active metals.
- 05Keep bags palletised and dry; avoid dust generation and re-seal opened packaging promptly.
- 06Prevent any release to drains, surface water, or soil — the product is very toxic to aquatic life and persistent.
Handling precautions
123TCB is harmful if swallowed or inhaled, causes skin and eye irritation, and is very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. It is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
Control dust during bag emptying and charging, and use local exhaust ventilation at transfer and melting points.
Chlorinated aromatics can decompose in a fire to produce hydrogen chloride and other hazardous combustion products. Fire-fighters require full breathing apparatus.
Chlorobenzenes are persistent in the environment and bioaccumulative. Containment, bunding, and drain protection are the primary site controls, and waste must go through licensed routes.
Trichlorobenzenes are subject to use restrictions in several jurisdictions. Confirm your national requirements and permitted uses before ordering.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, spill containment, environmental precautions, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene used for?
As a synthesis intermediate for dyes, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals, as a high-boiling process solvent, and as an analytical reference material. Several bulk uses are restricted in some markets.
How does it differ from 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene?
Both are C6H3Cl3 with a weight of 181.45. The 1,2,4 isomer is a liquid at room temperature and is produced in far greater volume; the 1,2,3 isomer is a solid melting near 53°C and is the scarcer of the two.
Why is 123TCB the minor isomer?
Chlorinating dichlorobenzene favours positions that give the 1,2,4 arrangement on both electronic and statistical grounds. The 1,2,3 isomer forms in smaller quantity and has to be separated by crystallisation, which is why it costs more.
Why is one a solid and the other a liquid?
Molecular symmetry. The consecutive 1,2,3 arrangement packs into a crystal lattice more efficiently than the unsymmetrical 1,2,4 arrangement, which raises the melting point by more than 35 degrees.
Is it soluble in water?
Practically insoluble. It dissolves in alcohols, ethers, aromatic hydrocarbons, and most organic solvents, and it is denser than water.
Is 123TCB regulated?
Trichlorobenzenes are subject to use restrictions and environmental controls in several jurisdictions, with permitted uses typically limited to chemical synthesis intermediates and closed systems. Confirm the rules that apply to your intended use before ordering.
Why is environmental persistence emphasised?
Chlorobenzenes break down slowly, are very toxic to aquatic organisms, and can accumulate in organisms. That combination makes even small releases significant, so containment is the priority control.
What purity do you supply?
Standard technical grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 99% with isomer content at or below 0.5% and moisture at or below 0.1%. Tighter specifications can be produced to order.
What packaging sizes are available?
25 kg bags and 200 kg drums, with full container loads for bulk users. Supply is subject to confirmation of the intended end use where regulatory restrictions apply.
Why does the flake cake in storage?
The melting point is around 53°C, so material stored in a hot warehouse can soften and fuse. Cool, palletised storage out of direct sun prevents this without affecting assay.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Every batch is dispatched with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering assay, isomer content, melting range, moisture, and appearance.