2,3,4-Trichloro Nitro Benzene
A high-purity chlorinated nitroaromatic supplied as the halex fluorination feedstock for 2,3,4-trifluoronitrobenzene and downstream quinolone antibacterial intermediates.
What is 2,3,4-Trichloro Nitro Benzene?
2,3,4-Trichloro Nitro Benzene — 234TCNB — is a pale yellow crystalline solid carrying three chlorines on consecutive ring carbons with a nitro group alongside them.
Its principal role is as a halex feedstock. Heated with potassium fluoride in a polar aprotic solvent, the chlorines activated by the nitro group are exchanged for fluorine, giving 2,3,4-trifluoronitrobenzene — the entry point to the fluoroquinolone antibacterial family.
At Chelora Chemicals, 234TCNB is crystallised and refined with isomer content and moisture held to specification. Moisture is critical here, because water carried in with the substrate deactivates the fluoride and depresses halex conversion.
- Appearance
- Pale yellow crystalline flakes
- Odour
- Faint aromatic
- Solubility
- Insoluble in water; soluble in polar aprotic and aromatic solvents
- Function
- Chemical intermediate / halex feedstock
- Grade
- Technical
Formula diagram
Nitro group with three chlorines on consecutive ring carbons
- Molecular formulaC6H2Cl3NO2
- Molecular weight226.44 g/mol
- IUPAC name2,3,4-Trichloro-1-nitrobenzene
- Functional groupsNitro, aryl chloride
- CAS number17700-09-3
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical grade 2,3,4-Trichloro Nitro Benzene. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | 2,3,4-Trichloro Nitro Benzene |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | 234TCNB, 2,3,4-Trichloronitrobenzene, 1,2,3-Trichloro-4-nitrobenzene |
| CAS number | 17700-09-3 |
| Molecular formula | C6H2Cl3NO2 |
| Molecular weight | 226.44 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | Pale yellow crystalline flakes |
| Melting point | 54–57°C |
| Boiling point | approx. 288°C |
| Flash point | > 140°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 2,3,4-Trichloro Nitro Benzene
Halex fluorination feedstock
Converted with potassium fluoride to 2,3,4-trifluoronitrobenzene, the quinolone antibacterial entry point.
Pharmaceutical intermediates
Feeds the synthesis chain for fluoroquinolone and related API manufacture.
2,3,4-Trichloroaniline route
Reduced to the corresponding aniline for agrochemical and specialty synthesis.
Agrochemical intermediates
Used in crop-protection routes requiring a polychlorinated nitroaromatic core.
Dye intermediates
Applied in chlorinated colour intermediate chemistry.
Custom synthesis
Supplied as a contract manufacturing building block.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of 2,3,4-Trichloro Nitro Benzene 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 low moisture 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 55°C and cakes in hot storage.
- 03Protect from moisture; water carried into a halex reaction deactivates the fluoride and depresses conversion.
- 04Keep away from heat, sparks, open flame, and direct sunlight.
- 05Segregate from strong oxidising agents, strong bases, and reducing agents.
- 06Prevent release to drains, surface water, and soil; the product is hazardous to aquatic life.
Handling precautions
234TCNB is toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. It is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
Absorbed material can affect the blood by forming methaemoglobin. Chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, eye protection, and respiratory protection are required.
Control dust during bag emptying, sieving, and charging, and use local exhaust ventilation at all transfer points.
Halex fluorination using this product runs at high temperature with potassium fluoride and carries its own hazards, including HF generation on contact with acid or moisture in the presence of fluoride. A separate process risk assessment is required.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, spill response, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is 2,3,4-Trichloro Nitro Benzene used for?
Almost entirely as the feedstock for halex fluorination to 2,3,4-trifluoronitrobenzene, which then goes into fluoroquinolone antibacterial manufacture. It can also be reduced to 2,3,4-trichloroaniline.
What is halex fluorination?
Halogen exchange. The substrate is heated with potassium fluoride in a polar aprotic solvent such as DMSO or sulfolane, and fluoride displaces the chlorines that the nitro group has activated.
Why do the chlorines exchange here but not on an ordinary chlorobenzene?
The nitro group withdraws electron density and stabilises the intermediate formed when fluoride attacks the ring. Without that activation the exchange does not proceed at any useful rate.
Why is moisture specified so tightly?
Water hydrates fluoride and destroys its nucleophilicity. Moisture carried in with the substrate is one of the commonest causes of poor halex conversion, so it is controlled as a functional specification rather than a purity nicety.
Do all three chlorines exchange?
The ones activated by the nitro group exchange readily; conversion of all three requires the right solvent, temperature, fluoride quality, and residence time. Process conditions rather than the substrate determine the outcome.
Is it soluble in water?
No. It is practically insoluble in water and dissolves in polar aprotic solvents such as DMSO and sulfolane, which is convenient since those are the halex reaction media.
Why does the flake cake in the bag?
The melting point is around 55°C, so material stored in a hot warehouse can soften and fuse. Cool, palletised storage out of direct sun prevents this without affecting assay.
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. Samples are available for halex trial work.
What are the main process safety concerns?
The halex step runs hot with fluoride present, so moisture or acid ingress can liberate hydrogen fluoride. Calcium gluconate provision, acid segregation, and a documented thermal assessment are all required.
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.