2,6-Dichloroaniline 2,6-DCA · CAS 608-31-1
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier of 2,6-Dichloroaniline, the symmetrically substituted chloroaniline best known as the key intermediate for diclofenac and related agrochemical and pharmaceutical actives. Every consignment leaves with a batch-specific COA and the current SDS.
Also known as: 2,6-DCA · 2,6-Dichlorobenzenamine
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Price, lead time and a sample COA for 2,6-Dichloroaniline, usually within one working day. We ship worldwide.
Request a Quote Email the DeskDocumentation
- Batch-specific COA (assay, isomer purity, melting point)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Dangerous-goods transport documents
- Third-party inspection on request
- Certificate of origin
What is 2,6-Dichloroaniline?
2,6-Dichloroaniline is a benzene ring carrying an amino group flanked symmetrically by two chlorine atoms, formula C₆H₅Cl₂N. It is a white to light-coloured crystalline solid, melting around 39 °C.
Its commercial importance rests heavily on one route: 2,6-dichloroaniline is the direct precursor to diclofenac, one of the world's most widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) actives, via condensation with 2-chlorobenzoic acid-type intermediates. It is also used in selected agrochemical and dye-intermediate syntheses.
Commercially it is produced by catalytic reduction of 2,6-dichloronitrobenzene, with the symmetric substitution pattern carried through from the upstream nitration step.
Handling follows standard precautions for a toxic aromatic amine — avoid skin contact and inhalation, and treat any wash water with the same environmental care as the solid.
Why 2,6-Dichloroaniline specifically
- The diclofenac precursor. Essentially the entire pharmaceutical demand for this chemical traces back to diclofenac and related NSAID synthesis.
- A symmetric substitution pattern. The 2,6-dichloro arrangement around the amine is distinct from 2,4- and 3,4-dichloroaniline and is not interchangeable with them in this chemistry.
- Agrochemical and dye intermediate. Used in selected crop-protection and dye-intermediate syntheses requiring this specific pattern.
- Well-characterised impurity profile. Because pharmaceutical-grade material is the dominant use, isomer and heavy-metal impurity control is tightly specified by downstream buyers.
How 2,6-Dichloroaniline is Manufactured
2,6-Dichloroaniline is made by catalytic hydrogenation of 2,6-dichloronitrobenzene, so supply tracks installed dichloronitrobenzene nitration and reduction capacity.
- Nitration. 1,3-Dichlorobenzene or an equivalent precursor is nitrated under controlled conditions to give 2,6-dichloronitrobenzene.
- Catalytic reduction. The nitro group is hydrogenated under catalytic conditions to the corresponding amine.
- Isomer and byproduct removal. Related isomers and reduction byproducts are removed by crystallisation or distillation.
- Purification. The product is purified to the target purity level, typically 98–99% for standard grade and tighter for pharma-grade material.
- Quality release and packing. Melting point, assay and heavy-metal/isomer impurities are confirmed against specification before packing.
Typical Commercial Specification
Figures below are representative of commercial-grade 2,6-dichloroaniline. Tell us whether your application is pharmaceutical, agrochemical or dye-intermediate grade, and we will advise on the specification to order against.
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to light-coloured crystalline solid |
| 2,6-Dichloroaniline content | 98% min by GC/HPLC assay (pharma grade typically 99%+) |
| Melting point | 38 – 40 °C |
| Isomer purity | 2,4- and 3,4-dichloroaniline, trace levels to grade |
| Moisture content | To grade, typically 0.2% max |
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | C₆H₅Cl₂N |
| Molecular weight | 162.01 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to light-coloured solid |
| Melting point | About 39 °C |
| Boiling point | Confirm against your current SDS* |
| Water solubility | Slightly soluble |
| Incompatibilities | Strong oxidisers, strong acids |
Behaviour in the process
2,6-Dichloroaniline's reactivity pattern is what pharma, agro and dye intermediate producers are buying:
- Condensation chemistry. The amine group condenses with activated aromatic acid chlorides/esters to build amide linkages, as in diclofenac synthesis.
- Diazotisation. Can be diazotised and coupled for azo-dye intermediate chemistry where this specific substitution pattern is required.
- Thermal stability. Stable under normal storage; reacts with strong oxidisers.
- Toxicity profile. Classified as toxic and a suspected carcinogen on repeated exposure; handle with full PPE regardless of application.
2,6-Dichloroaniline and Related Chloroanilines
2,6-Dichloroaniline is one of several dichloroaniline isomers, and the choice between them depends entirely on the target molecule's substitution pattern.
| Material | Substitution | When it is the right choice |
|---|---|---|
| 2,6-Dichloroaniline | 2,6-diCl, 1-amino (symmetric) | Diclofenac and other routes needing the symmetric 2,6-pattern |
| 2,4-Dichloroaniline | 2,4-diCl, 1-amino (asymmetric) | Herbicide and dye routes needing the 2,4-pattern |
| Para Chloro Aniline | 4-Cl, 1-amino (mono) | Routes needing a single chlorine, not two |
| Ortho Phenylene Diamine | 1,2-diamino, no chlorine | Routes needing a diamine, not a chloroamine |
Stated plainly: diclofenac synthesis and other routes built around the symmetric 2,6-pattern need this specific isomer — the 2,4- or 3,4-isomers are not interchangeable with it.
Industries We Supply 2,6-Dichloroaniline To
The same chloroaniline feeds a pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturer, an agrochemical producer and a dye-intermediate plant. What changes is the grade specification and documentation each requires.
Where 2,6-Dichloroaniline is Used
In diclofenac manufacture
2,6-Dichloroaniline is condensed with 2-(2,6-dichlorophenylamino)phenylacetic-acid-type intermediates via an Ullmann-type or related condensation to build diclofenac's biphenylamine core. The purity and isomer profile of the starting 2,6-dichloroaniline directly affects the purity profile of the finished API, which is why pharmaceutical buyers specify tighter impurity limits than other end-uses.
Need a specific purity or isomer grade?
Tell us your end-use — pharmaceutical, agrochemical or dye intermediate — the purity grade you need, the packing format you can receive and the annual quantity. We will come back with a price, a lead time and a sample COA.
Quality Control & Testing
Every lot is released against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, with isomer purity and, for pharma-intended material, heavy-metal content reported alongside the main assay.
- 2,6-Dichloroaniline content — by GC or HPLC assay, the primary grade measure.
- Melting point — a fast purity and identity check.
- Isomer purity — 2,4- and 3,4-dichloroaniline carryover, reported because it affects downstream condensation selectivity.
- Heavy metals — reported for pharma-intended lots per the buyer's quality agreement.
Common Process Problems & Likely Causes
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Off-spec diclofenac intermediate purity | Isomer or heavy-metal carryover | Isomer breakdown and heavy-metal figures on the COA |
| Poor condensation yield | Moisture or oxidative impurities | Moisture content and assay on the COA |
| Off-shade dye product | Isomer or colour-grade impurities | Colour specification and isomer breakdown on the COA |
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 incompatible materials.
- Material compatibility. Avoid contact with strong oxidisers and strong acids.
- Transport classification. UN 1590 pattern noted for related chloroanilines; confirm the exact class and packing group for this specific isomer against your current SDS before shipping, as classification by jurisdiction can vary.
Hazards & Safe Handling
2,6-Dichloroaniline is toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled, causes skin irritation, and is suspected of causing organ damage through prolonged or repeated exposure. Standard precautions for a toxic aromatic amine and good laboratory and plant practice apply throughout handling.
- Skin and eye contact. Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles are mandatory; rinse thoroughly with water on contact.
- 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 and, where dust is generated, a suitable respirator.
- Environment. Very toxic to aquatic organisms; avoid uncontrolled release to water and follow local effluent rules.
Regulatory & Compliance Notes
2,6-Dichloroaniline is a registered specialty chloroaniline with a heavily pharmaceutical-weighted use profile. Because obligations differ by territory and use, the notes below are orientation rather than legal advice.
- GHS classification. Classified as toxic (acute toxicity), a skin irritant, suspected of causing organ damage through repeated exposure, and 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. Confirm the exact UN number, class and packing group for this isomer against your current SDS before shipping — ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT requirements apply to packing, labelling and routing once confirmed.
- HS code. Commonly declared under the aromatic-amine derivatives heading; confirm the exact tariff line with your customs broker for your jurisdiction.
- Pharmaceutical quality agreements. Pharma-intended buyers commonly expect documented purity, isomer purity, heavy-metal limits and change control. Tell us what your agreement requires.
We Supply 2,6-Dichloroaniline Worldwide
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship 2,6-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.
Buying 2,6-Dichloroaniline from Chelora
We are an independent sourcing and supply partner. For this product that means settling the end-use (pharma, agro or dye intermediate), the purity grade, the packing format, and the quantity you are buying.
- Documentation on every lot. Batch-specific COA with assay, isomer breakdown and (for pharma lots) heavy-metal data, 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. Other dichloroaniline isomers alongside this product from one supplier.
How ordering works
- Send the enquiry. End-use, purity grade, quantity, destination port and the Incoterm you buy on.
- We quote. Price, lead time, packing format and a sample COA, normally within one working day.
- Qualify the supply. For first orders or 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 & Chloronitrobenzene Intermediates
2,6-Dichloroaniline — Common Questions
The questions our technical desk is asked most often about 2,6-Dichloroaniline. If yours isn't here, call or email and you will reach someone who knows the chemistry.
What is the CAS number of 2,6-Dichloroaniline?
The CAS number for 2,6-Dichloroaniline is 608-31-1, and its EC number is 210-160-5. Its molecular formula is C₆H₅Cl₂N with a molecular weight of 162.01 g/mol.
What is 2,6-Dichloroaniline used for?
It is best known as the key precursor to diclofenac and related NSAID pharmaceutical actives. It is also used in selected agrochemical and dye-intermediate synthesis.
Do you supply 2,6-Dichloroaniline worldwide?
Yes. Chelora Chemicals supplies and exports 2,6-Dichloroaniline worldwide — across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, as well as throughout India. Every consignment carries the COA and SDS.
How is 2,6-Dichloroaniline manufactured?
By catalytic hydrogenation of 2,6-dichloronitrobenzene, followed by purification and isomer removal.
How does it differ from 2,4-dichloroaniline?
The chlorine substitution pattern is different — symmetric 2,6- versus asymmetric 2,4- — which is why diclofenac synthesis specifically requires the 2,6-isomer and the 2,4-isomer is used for different (herbicide, dye) chemistry.
Is 2,6-Dichloroaniline hazardous?
Yes. It is toxic if swallowed, by skin contact or if inhaled, causes skin irritation, is suspected of causing organ damage through repeated exposure, and is very toxic to aquatic life.
What is the UN number and transport class?
A UN 1590 pattern is noted for related chloroanilines; confirm the exact class and packing group for this specific isomer against your current SDS before shipping, as classification can vary by jurisdiction.
How should 2,6-Dichloroaniline be stored?
In sealed containers, cool, dry and away from direct sun, strong oxidisers and strong acids.
Why is purity so critical for this chemical?
Because most demand ultimately traces back to pharmaceutical synthesis (diclofenac), isomer and heavy-metal impurity limits are tightly specified by downstream buyers — tighter than for agro or dye-intermediate grades.
What purity grades do you offer?
Standard commercial grade is 98% minimum by GC/HPLC assay, with pharma-grade material typically 99%+ and heavy-metal data reported on request.
What packing sizes and order quantities are available?
Fibre drums or HDPE bags, typically 25–200 kg net, with larger bulk formats available on contract supply. Orders run from trial quantities up to repeat bulk loads.
Ready to source 2,6-Dichloroaniline?
Send us your end-use, purity requirement and annual volume. You will get a price, a realistic lead time and a sample COA from someone who understands what the material has to do in your process — delivered anywhere in the world.
