2,3-Dichloro Nitro Benzene
A high-purity chlorinated nitroaromatic supplied as flakes, used as the precursor to 2,3-dichloroaniline and as an intermediate for agrochemical and pharmaceutical synthesis.
What is 2,3-Dichloro Nitro Benzene?
2,3-Dichloro Nitro Benzene — 23DCNB — is a pale yellow crystalline solid with two adjacent chlorines and a nitro group on the neighbouring carbon. It is obtained by nitrating ortho-dichlorobenzene and separating the isomer mixture.
Its main role is as the nitro precursor to 2,3-dichloroaniline. Because the 2,3 arrangement is the minor product of that nitration, isomer separation is the difficult and value-adding step, and the isomer purity achieved here sets what is achievable in the finished amine.
At Chelora Chemicals, 23DCNB is crystallised and refined with isomer content, melting range, and moisture held to specification so that catalytic reduction runs to consistent yield and purity.
- Appearance
- Pale yellow crystalline flakes
- Odour
- Faint aromatic
- Solubility
- Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, ether, benzene
- Function
- Chemical intermediate
- Grade
- Technical
Formula diagram
Nitro group with chlorines on the two adjacent ring positions
- Molecular formulaC6H3Cl2NO2
- Molecular weight192.00 g/mol
- IUPAC name1,2-Dichloro-3-nitrobenzene
- Functional groupsNitro, aryl chloride
- CAS number3209-22-1
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical grade 2,3-Dichloro Nitro Benzene. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | 2,3-Dichloro Nitro Benzene |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | 23DCNB, 2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene, 1,2-Dichloro-3-nitrobenzene |
| CAS number | 3209-22-1 |
| Molecular formula | C6H3Cl2NO2 |
| Molecular weight | 192.00 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | Pale yellow crystalline flakes |
| Melting point | 61–63°C |
| Boiling point | 258°C |
| Flash point | > 130°C (closed cup) |
| Isomer content | ≤ 0.5% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.2% |
| Packaging | 25 kg bags, 500 kg jumbo bags |
| Shelf life | 24 months from date of manufacture |
Applications of 2,3-Dichloro Nitro Benzene
2,3-Dichloroaniline route
Hydrogenated to 2,3-dichloroaniline, the amine required for several agrochemical and pharmaceutical actives.
Agrochemical intermediates
Feeds herbicide and fungicide synthesis routes built on a 2,3-dichlorinated aromatic core.
Pharmaceutical intermediates
Used where an adjacent dichloro pattern is needed in an API scaffold.
Dye intermediates
Converted into chlorinated diazo components for azo dye chemistry.
Heterocyclic synthesis
Reduced and cyclised to build chlorinated nitrogen heterocycles.
Specialty chemicals
Applied in biocide and specialty amine derivative manufacture.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of 2,3-Dichloro 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 melting range verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 25 kg bags to jumbo bags 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 away from heat, sparks, open flame, and direct sunlight.
- 03Segregate from strong oxidising agents, strong bases, and reducing agents.
- 04Keep bags palletised and dry; avoid dust generation and mechanical damage.
- 05Re-seal opened packaging promptly to prevent moisture pick-up.
- 06Prevent release to drains, surface water, and soil; the product is hazardous to aquatic life.
Handling precautions
23DCNB 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.
Hydrogenation of this product is strongly exothermic and requires its own process risk assessment, relief design, and catalyst handling controls.
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-Dichloro Nitro Benzene used for?
Principally as the precursor to 2,3-dichloroaniline, which goes into agrochemical and pharmaceutical actives. It also serves dye intermediate and heterocyclic synthesis routes.
How is 23DCNB manufactured?
By nitrating ortho-dichlorobenzene and separating the resulting isomers. The 3,4 isomer is the major product and the 2,3 isomer the minor one, which is why separation efficiency drives the cost of this grade.
Why is the 2,3 isomer more expensive than the 3,4 isomer?
Simple supply. Nitration of ortho-dichlorobenzene favours the 3,4 arrangement, so the 2,3 isomer is produced in smaller quantity and requires more separation work to reach specification.
What is the relationship between 23DCNB and 2,3-dichloroaniline?
23DCNB is the nitro compound and 2,3-dichloroaniline is what you get by reducing it. Many producers run both steps on the same site, and the nitro specification sets the ceiling on the amine's purity.
Is it soluble in water?
No. It is practically insoluble in water but dissolves in alcohols, ether, acetone, and aromatic solvents, so downstream chemistry runs in organic media.
Why does the flake cake in the bag?
The melting point is around 62°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 0.2%. Tighter specifications can be produced to order.
What packaging sizes are available?
25 kg bags and 500 kg jumbo bags, with full container loads for bulk users. Samples are available for trial work.
What are the main process safety concerns?
Hydrogenation is strongly exothermic and needs proper thermal assessment and relief design. Nitroaromatics can also decompose exothermically if overheated, so drying and melting operations should be temperature-controlled.
Is 23DCNB hazardous?
Yes. It is acutely toxic by several routes, harmful on repeated exposure, and hazardous to aquatic life. Trained personnel, dust control, and full PPE are required per the Safety Data Sheet.
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.