2,4-Dichloroaniline 2,4-DCA · CAS 554-00-7

What is 2,4-Dichloroaniline?

2,4-Dichloroaniline, often abbreviated 2,4-DCA, is a benzene ring carrying an amine group and two chlorine atoms at the 2- and 4-positions, formula C₆H₅Cl₂N. At room temperature it is a beige to brown crystalline solid, melting around 59–62 °C.

Its value as an intermediate comes from the amine's reactivity: it diazotises cleanly for azo-dye coupling, and it is acylated and condensed into a range of herbicide and fungicide active ingredients that specifically require the 2,4-dichloro substitution pattern on the aniline ring.

Commercially, it is produced by nitration of 1,3-dichlorobenzene followed by selective reduction of the nitro group, with isomer control maintained through the nitration and reduction steps.

It ships as a toxic and corrosive solid (Class 6.1) — handling follows standard toxic-solid precautions, with particular attention to skin and eye protection given its corrosive hazard classification.

Why 2,4-Dichloroaniline specifically

• A key agrochemical intermediate. The 2,4-dichloro substitution pattern is a building block for several herbicide and fungicide active-ingredient syntheses.
• A clean diazotisation substrate. Diazotises predictably for azo-dye coupling reactions used in dye and pigment manufacture.
• A pharmaceutical intermediate. Used across selected active-pharmaceutical-ingredient and intermediate syntheses.
• The specific substitution pattern needed. The 2,4- pattern is distinct from other dichloroaniline isomers, and routes built around it need this isomer specifically.

How 2,4-Dichloroaniline is Manufactured

2,4-Dichloroaniline is made through a controlled nitration and selective reduction sequence, so supply tracks installed dichlorobenzene nitration and hydrogenation capacity rather than a generic aromatics feedstock stream.

• Nitration of 1,3-dichlorobenzene. Controlled nitration introduces the nitro group at the position that becomes the amine after reduction.
• Isomer control. Reaction conditions are controlled to favour the 2,4-substitution pattern over other positional isomers.
• Catalytic hydrogenation. The nitro group is reduced to an amine, giving crude 2,4-dichloroaniline.
• Purification. The crude amine is purified by distillation or crystallisation to the target purity, typically 98% or better.
• Quality release and packing. Melting point, assay and colour are confirmed against specification before the batch is released and packed.

Typical Commercial Specification

Figures below are representative of commercial-grade 2,4-dichloroaniline. 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

2,4-Dichloroaniline's reactivity pattern is what agrochemical, dye and pharma intermediate producers are buying:

• Diazotisation. Reacts cleanly with nitrous acid to form a diazonium salt for azo-dye coupling reactions.
• Acylation and condensation. Reacts with acid chlorides, isocyanates and other electrophiles to build herbicide and fungicide active-ingredient structures.
• N-functionalisation. Undergoes standard N-alkylation and acylation chemistry common to primary aromatic amines.
• Base reactivity. As a weak aromatic amine base, it readily forms salts with acids.

2,4-Dichloroaniline and Related Chloroanilines

2,4-Dichloroaniline is one of several dichloroaniline isomers, and the choice between them depends entirely on the substitution pattern the target synthesis needs.

Stated plainly: the choice of dichloroaniline isomer is dictated by the target active ingredient's exact substitution pattern — a route designed around 2,4-dichloro chemistry needs this isomer, and a different pattern requires a different starting material.

Industries We Supply 2,4-Dichloroaniline To

The same chlorinated aniline feeds an agrochemical active-ingredient producer, an azo-dye manufacturer, and a pharmaceutical intermediate plant. What changes is the downstream condensation chemistry and the documentation each requires.

Where 2,4-Dichloroaniline is Used

2,4-Dichloroaniline is bought for several distinct downstream chemistries. These are the applications our customers use it for.

In agrochemical synthesis

2,4-Dichloroaniline is acylated or condensed with a second reagent under controlled conditions to build the target herbicide or fungicide active ingredient, where the 2,4-dichloro substitution pattern on the aniline ring is a structural requirement of the molecule. Isomeric purity matters because carryover of related isomers can divert the reaction toward an off-target product.

In dye and pharmaceutical synthesis

In dye chemistry, the amine is diazotised and coupled to a second aromatic component to build the azo chromophore. In pharmaceutical intermediate routes, it serves as a building block condensed or coupled into the target active ingredient.

Quality Control & Testing

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

• 2,4-Dichloroaniline content — by GC/HPLC assay, the primary grade measure.
• Melting point — a fast purity and identity check.
• Isomeric purity — 2,5- and 3,4-dichloroaniline carryover, reported because it affects downstream reaction selectivity and shade consistency.
• Moisture content — measured because moisture can affect downstream condensation chemistry yield.

Common Process Problems & Likely Causes

When this amine causes trouble, it is usually isomer carryover or discolouration. 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 and oxidation protection. Keep sealed and protected from moisture and air, which can affect colour grade and downstream performance.
• Temperature control. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sun and heat sources.
• Material compatibility. Avoid contact with strong oxidisers and strong acids.
• Shelf life. Best used within a reasonable period of manufacture; retest after long storage for critical applications.
• Transport classification. UN 3442, Toxic solid, corrosive, organic, n.o.s., Class 6.1, Packing Group II. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT requirements apply to packing, labelling and routing.

Hazards & Safe Handling

2,4-Dichloroaniline is toxic if swallowed or inhaled, causes skin irritation and serious eye damage, may cause an allergic skin reaction, and is suspected of damaging organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. It is also very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects, so standard toxic-and-corrosive-solid precautions and good laboratory and plant practice apply throughout handling.

• Skin and eye contact. Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles or a face shield are standard practice given the serious eye-damage classification; rinse thoroughly with water on contact and seek medical advice.
• Inhalation. Use adequate ventilation and dust control when handling the crystalline solid.
• 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 or face shield and, where dust is generated, a suitable respirator.
• Environment. Very toxic to aquatic organisms with long-lasting effects; avoid uncontrolled release to water and follow local effluent rules.

Regulatory & Compliance Notes

2,4-Dichloroaniline is a registered specialty amine shipped as a Class 6.1 toxic, corrosive solid. 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 toxic if swallowed or inhaled, corrosive to skin and eyes, a skin sensitiser, and suspected of causing organ damage through repeated exposure; also very toxic to aquatic life. 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 3442, Toxic solid, corrosive, organic, n.o.s., Class 6.1, Packing Group II. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT requirements apply to packing, labelling and routing.
• HS code. Commonly declared under the chloroaniline derivatives heading; confirm the exact tariff line with your customs broker for your jurisdiction.
• Quality agreements. Agro, dye and pharma producers commonly expect documented purity, isomeric purity and change control. Tell us what your agreement requires.

We Supply 2,4-Dichloroaniline Worldwide

Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship 2,4-Dichloroaniline 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 2,4-Dichloroaniline 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 colour, 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 chloroanilines. 3,4-Dichloroaniline and other chloroaniline 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 agro- 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 Chloroaniline & Agrochemical Intermediates

Buyers of 2,4-dichloroaniline often source other chlorinated aniline and nitroaromatic intermediates alongside it. Consolidating them cuts freight cost and gives you a single point of contact for documentation.