2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene 1,2-Dichloro-3-nitrobenzene · CAS 3209-22-1

What is 2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene?

2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene is a benzene ring carrying two adjacent chlorine atoms and a nitro group in the 2,3- substitution pattern, formula C₆H₃Cl₂NO₂. At room temperature it is a light yellow to light brown crystalline powder, melting around 60 °C.

Its value as an intermediate comes from the nitro group, which is reduced to the corresponding 2,3-dichloroaniline — a building block in dye, agrochemical and pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis that specifically requires the adjacent dichloro substitution pattern.

Commercially, it is produced by nitration of 1,2-dichlorobenzene under controlled conditions, with isomer control maintained through the nitration step and separation of regiochemical isomers in purification.

It ships under Class 9 (environmentally hazardous substance) rules given its aquatic toxicity profile — handling follows standard precautions for a nitroaromatic solid, with particular attention to aquatic environmental controls.

Why 2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene specifically

• The standard route to 2,3-dichloroaniline. Catalytic reduction of the nitro group gives the corresponding diamine building block cleanly.
• A key dye and agrochemical intermediate. The 2,3-dichloro substitution pattern is a building block for herbicide and dye-intermediate syntheses requiring this exact pattern.
• A pharmaceutical intermediate. Used across selected active-pharmaceutical-ingredient and intermediate syntheses.
• The specific substitution pattern needed. The adjacent 2,3-dichloro pattern is distinct from the 2,4- and 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene isomers, and routes built around it need this isomer specifically.

How 2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene is Manufactured

2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene is made through a controlled nitration sequence starting from 1,2-dichlorobenzene, so supply tracks installed dichlorobenzene nitration capacity rather than a generic aromatics feedstock stream.

• Nitration of 1,2-dichlorobenzene. Controlled nitration introduces the nitro group at the 3-position relative to the two chlorines.
• Isomer separation. The 2,3-isomer is separated from other regiochemical nitration products by distillation or crystallisation.
• Purification. The separated fraction is purified to the target purity, typically 98% or better.
• Quality release. Melting point, assay and colour are confirmed against specification before the batch is released.
• Finishing and packing. The solid is packed into fibre drums or bags appropriate to the order quantity.

Typical Commercial Specification

Figures below are representative of commercial-grade 2,3-dichloronitrobenzene. Tell us your downstream route and the grade you need, and we will advise on the specification to order against.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Behaviour in the process

2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene's reactivity pattern is what dye, agrochemical and pharma intermediate producers are buying:

• Catalytic reduction. The nitro group reduces cleanly to the corresponding 2,3-dichloroaniline under standard hydrogenation conditions.
• Nucleophilic aromatic substitution. The adjacent chlorines, activated by the nitro group, can undergo selective displacement under appropriate conditions.
• Thermal and chemical stability. Stable under normal storage; reacts exothermically with strong reducing agents.
• Combustibility. Classified combustible; keep away from ignition sources during storage and handling.

2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene and Related Chloronitrobenzenes

2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene is one of several dichloronitrobenzene isomers, and the choice between them depends entirely on the substitution pattern the target synthesis needs.

Stated plainly: the choice of dichloronitrobenzene isomer is dictated by the target molecule's exact substitution pattern — a route designed around 2,3-dichloroaniline chemistry needs this isomer, and a different pattern requires a different starting material.

Industries We Supply 2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene To

The same chloronitrobenzene feeds a dye-intermediate manufacturer, an agrochemical producer, and a pharmaceutical intermediate plant. What changes is the downstream reduction and condensation chemistry and the documentation each requires.

Where 2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene is Used

2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene is bought for several distinct downstream chemistries. These are the applications our customers use it for.

In reduction and intermediate synthesis

2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene is catalytically hydrogenated to give 2,3-dichloroaniline, which is then carried through acylation, diazotisation or condensation chemistry to build the target dye, agrochemical or pharmaceutical active ingredient. Isomer purity matters because carryover of related isomers can divert the reaction toward an off-target product.

In dye and agrochemical applications

In dye chemistry, the reduced amine is diazotised and coupled to build azo chromophores. In agrochemical routes, it serves as a feedstock for herbicide intermediate synthesis requiring the 2,3-dichloro substitution pattern.

Quality Control & Testing

Every lot is released against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, with isomer purity and colour grade reported alongside the main assay because both affect downstream reduction and condensation performance.

• 2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene content — by GC assay, the primary grade measure.
• Melting point — a fast purity and identity check.
• Isomer purity — 2,4- and 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene carryover, reported because it affects downstream reaction selectivity.
• Moisture content — measured because moisture can affect downstream reduction chemistry yield.

Common Process Problems & Likely Causes

When this chemical causes trouble, it is usually isomer carryover or moisture. This table is the shortcut our technical desk works through before anyone opens a complaint file.

Packaging, Storage & Shipping

• Standard packing. Fibre drums or HDPE bags, typically 25 – 200 kg net, with larger bulk formats on contract supply.
• Moisture protection. Keep sealed and protected from moisture ingress during storage.
• Temperature control. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sun and heat sources; the material is combustible.
• Material compatibility. Avoid contact with strong reducing agents and strong oxidisers.
• Shelf life. Stable over extended storage when kept sealed and dry; retest after long storage for critical applications.
• Transport classification. UN 3077, Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s., Class 9, Packing Group III. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT requirements apply to packing, labelling and routing.

Hazards & Safe Handling

2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene is harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, is suspected of damaging organs through prolonged or repeated exposure, and is toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Standard precautions for a nitroaromatic solid and good laboratory and plant practice apply throughout handling.

• Skin and eye contact. Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles are standard practice; rinse thoroughly with water on contact.
• Inhalation. Use adequate ventilation and dust control when handling the crystalline powder.
• Repeated-exposure risk. Suspected of causing organ damage through prolonged or repeated exposure; minimise exposure and follow your facility's controls.
• PPE. Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles and, where dust is generated, a suitable respirator.
• Environment. Toxic to aquatic organisms with long-lasting effects; avoid uncontrolled release to water and follow local effluent rules.

Regulatory & Compliance Notes

2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene is a registered specialty nitroaromatic shipped under Class 9 environmentally hazardous substance rules. Because obligations differ by territory and use, the notes below are orientation rather than legal advice — confirm your own position with your regulatory adviser.

• GHS classification. Classified as harmful if swallowed, a skin irritant, suspected of causing organ damage through repeated exposure, and toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; the SDS carries the full hazard statements for your grade.
• REACH and chemical inventories. Registered under EU REACH and listed on major chemical inventories.
• Dangerous goods transport. UN 3077, Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s., Class 9, Packing Group III. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT requirements apply to packing, labelling and routing.
• HS code. Commonly declared under the nitro-compound derivatives heading; confirm the exact tariff line with your customs broker for your jurisdiction.
• Quality agreements. Dye, agro and pharma producers commonly expect documented purity, isomer purity and change control. Tell us what your agreement requires.

We Supply 2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene Worldwide

Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship 2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene from India and from partner sources to customers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North and South America, handling the export documentation and freight so the material arrives ready to use.

• Incoterms. EXW, FOB, CIF, CFR and DAP quoted to suit your purchasing terms and freight arrangements.
• Ports. Regular shipments through Nhava Sheva (JNPT) and Mundra, with other ports arranged as routing allows.
• Documentation. Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, COA and SDS issued as a complete set.
• Flexible volumes. From trial quantities up to repeat bulk shipments on a supply contract.
• Supply continuity. Because we are independent of any one producer, a plant turnaround or a shipping disruption at one source does not have to become your stock-out.

Buying 2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene from Chelora

We are an independent sourcing and supply partner. For this product that means settling three things at enquiry: the purity and isomer-purity grade your application needs, the packing format, and the quantity you are buying.

• Documentation on every lot. Batch-specific COA with assay, isomer breakdown and moisture, plus the current SDS.
• Analysis before commitment. Representative analysis shared ahead of a commercial order so your lab can qualify the material.
• Quantities. Trial quantities through to larger bulk shipments on contract supply.
• Inspection. Independent third-party inspection available at loading when the contract requires it.
• Related chloronitrobenzenes. Other dichloronitrobenzene isomers alongside this product from one supplier.

How ordering works

• Send the enquiry. Purity, isomer-purity grade, quantity, destination port and the Incoterm you buy on. If you have a spec sheet, attach it — it saves a round trip.
• We quote. Price, lead time, packing format and a sample COA, normally within one working day.
• Qualify the supply. For first orders or dye- and pharma-grade applications, we share the analysis so your technical team can sign off before you commit.
• Confirm the order. Proforma invoice issued; payment terms agreed against the volume and the relationship.
• Allocation and QC. Material allocated and released against a batch-specific COA, with an independent inspection where the contract calls for it.
• Ship and document. Packed, labelled and loaded with the full export document set, and tracked through to arrival.

Related Chloronitrobenzene & Chloroaniline Intermediates

Buyers of 2,3-dichloronitrobenzene often source other chlorinated nitroaromatic and aniline intermediates alongside it. Consolidating them cuts freight cost and gives you a single point of contact for documentation.