3-Chloro-2-methylaniline 3-Chloro-o-toluidine · CAS 87-60-5
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier of 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline, the chlorotoluidine isomer with chlorine meta and methyl ortho to the amine. That specific arrangement is what dye, pigment and agrochemical routes are designed around, and no other chlorotoluidine substitutes for it. Every consignment leaves with a batch-specific COA and the current SDS.
Also known as: 3-Chloro-o-toluidine, 3-Chloro-2-methylbenzenamine, 2-Amino-6-chlorotoluene, 2-Methyl-3-chloroaniline
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Price, lead time and a sample COA for 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline, usually within one working day. We ship worldwide.
Request a Quote Email the DeskDocumentation
- Batch-specific COA (assay, colour, isomer purity)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- UN 3429/2239 dangerous-goods transport documents
- Third-party inspection on request
- Certificate of origin
What is 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline?
3-Chloro-2-methylaniline is an aniline carrying a methyl group at the 2-position and a chlorine at the 3-position, formula C₇H₈ClN. It is supplied as a colourless to brown liquid that darkens with age, as anilines generally do.
Two things define its behaviour. The methyl sitting directly beside the amine creates steric crowding that slows reactions at the nitrogen and influences how cleanly diazotisation runs. The chlorine at the meta position changes the electronics of the ring and gives the finished dye or active its particular shade or activity.
Because both substituents matter, the chlorotoluidine isomers are not interchangeable. A route designed around 3-chloro-2-methylaniline will not work with the 5-chloro isomer, and the resulting colour or biological profile would be different even if the chemistry proceeded.
Handling follows standard precautions for a chlorinated aniline — chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, adequate ventilation, and storage away from strong oxidisers.
Why 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline specifically
- A defined chlorine-methyl-amine arrangement. Chlorine meta and methyl ortho to the amine — the pattern the route was designed around.
- Dye and pigment intermediate. Used as a diazo component and as a coupling precursor where this substitution gives the target shade.
- Agrochemical building block. Feeds crop-protection intermediate routes needing a chlorinated toluidine.
- Distinct from the other chlorotoluidines. The 4-, 5- and 6-chloro isomers behave differently and are not drop-in substitutes.
How 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline is Manufactured
The commercial route reduces the corresponding chloro-nitrotoluene, which is what fixes the substitution pattern long before the amine appears.
- Nitro reduction. The corresponding chloronitrotoluene is reduced, typically by catalytic hydrogenation under controlled conditions.
- Workup. The crude aniline is separated from catalyst and reaction by-products.
- Purification. The product is purified by distillation to the target assay, with isomeric chlorotoluidines separated as far as the specification requires.
- Quality release and packing. Assay, colour and isomer purity are confirmed against specification before the batch is packed and released, typically under nitrogen to limit oxidation.
Typical Commercial Specification
Figures below are representative of commercial-grade 3-chloro-2-methylaniline. Tell us your downstream route and the grade you need, and we will advise on the specification to order against.
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to light brown liquid |
| 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline content | 99% min by GC assay |
| Isomer purity | Other chlorotoluidines, trace levels to grade |
| Colour | To grade; freshness indicator ahead of use |
| Moisture | Low, to grade |
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | C₇H₈ClN |
| Molecular weight | 141.60 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colourless to brown liquid |
| Melting point | About 0 °C |
| Boiling point | About 245 °C |
| Density | About 1.16 g/mL |
| Solubility | Poorly soluble in water; miscible with common organic solvents |
| Incompatibilities | Strong oxidisers, strong acids |
Behaviour in the process
What dye and agrochemical producers are buying is a specific reactivity profile:
- Diazotisation. The free amine diazotises to give a coupling component for azo chemistry, with the ortho methyl influencing the rate.
- Steric effect of the ortho methyl. Reactions at the nitrogen run more slowly than with an unsubstituted chloroaniline.
- Oxidative sensitivity. Darkens on prolonged exposure to air and light; store sealed and preferably under nitrogen.
- Thermal stability. Stable under normal storage conditions away from strong oxidisers.
3-Chloro-2-methylaniline and Related Chlorotoluidines
Choosing between chlorotoluidine isomers comes down to where the chlorine sits relative to the amine and the methyl.
| Material | Substitution | When it is the right choice |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline | 3-Cl, 2-CH₃, 1-NH₂ | Routes needing chlorine meta and methyl ortho to the amine |
| 5-Chloro-2-methylaniline | 5-Cl, 2-CH₃, 1-NH₂ | Azo pigment routes needing the 5-chloro arrangement |
| meta-Chloroaniline | 3-Cl, 1-NH₂, no methyl | Routes where the ring methyl is not wanted |
| 2,6-Dichloroaniline | 2,6-diCl, 1-NH₂ | Routes needing two chlorines symmetrically around the amine |
Stated plainly: a synthesis built around the 3-chloro-2-methyl pattern needs this specific isomer. Substituting another chlorotoluidine changes both the chemistry and the finished product.
Industries We Supply 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline To
The same chlorotoluidine feeds a dye-intermediate manufacturer and an agrochemical producer. What changes is the downstream chemistry and the documentation each requires.
Where 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline is Used
In downstream functionalisation
The free amine is carried through acylation, diazotisation or ring-closing chemistry to build the target molecule. The ortho methyl slows nitrogen chemistry a little and shapes the geometry of what follows, which is often precisely the reason a route specifies a toluidine rather than a plain chloroaniline.
Need a specific purity grade?
Tell us the purity grade you need, your downstream chemistry, 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 reported alongside the main assay because chlorotoluidine carryover affects downstream shade and selectivity.
- 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline content — by GC assay, the primary grade measure.
- Isomer purity — other chlorotoluidines, reported because they change the finished colour or activity.
- Colour — reported because oxidation darkens anilines over time.
- Moisture — reported because wet material affects diazotisation stoichiometry.
Common Process Problems & Likely Causes
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Off-shade dye product | Isomeric chlorotoluidine carryover | Isomer purity figure on the COA |
| Darkened material on receipt | Oxidation during storage or transit | Colour and age of the lot; nitrogen blanket on the drum |
| Sluggish diazotisation | Steric hindrance from the ortho methyl, or wet feed | Temperature and acid strength; moisture figure on the COA |
| Low yield in coupling | Assay shortfall or partly oxidised material | Assay and colour on the COA against lot age |
Packaging, Storage & Shipping
- Standard packing. Drums or jerricans, typically 25 – 200 kg net, with larger bulk formats on contract supply.
- Oxidation protection. Store under nitrogen where possible and keep containers tightly sealed to limit darkening.
- Temperature control. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sun, heat and ignition sources.
- Material compatibility. Avoid contact with strong oxidisers and strong acids.
- Transport classification. Commonly shipped under UN 3429 (liquid) or UN 2239 (solid), Class 6.1 — confirm against your own current SDS before shipping.
Hazards & Safe Handling
3-Chloro-2-methylaniline is toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled, and is harmful to aquatic life. Standard precautions for a chlorinated aniline and good laboratory and plant practice apply throughout handling.
- Skin and eye contact. Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles are standard practice; anilines are absorbed through skin, so splash protection matters.
- Inhalation. Use adequate ventilation when handling, given the material's toxicity.
- PPE. Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles and, where vapour exposure is a concern, a suitable respirator.
- Environment. Harmful to aquatic life; avoid uncontrolled release to water and follow local effluent rules.
Regulatory & Compliance Notes
3-Chloro-2-methylaniline is a registered specialty chlorotoluidine. Because obligations differ by territory and use, the notes below are orientation rather than legal advice.
- GHS classification. Classified as toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled, and harmful to aquatic life (Signal word: Danger); the SDS carries the full hazard statements for your grade.
- REACH and chemical inventories. Listed on major chemical inventories; confirm registration status for your volume and territory before import.
- Dangerous goods transport. Commonly shipped under UN 3429 or UN 2239, Class 6.1. Confirm the correct entry and packing group with your logistics/EHS team against your current SDS.
- HS code. Commonly declared under the aromatic amine derivatives headings; confirm the exact tariff line with your customs broker for your jurisdiction.
We Supply 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline Worldwide
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline 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 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline 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 and isomer breakdown, 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 toluidines. 5-Chloro-2-methylaniline and other chlorinated anilines 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.
- We quote. Price, lead time, packing format and a sample COA, normally within one working day.
- Qualify the supply. For first orders or dye-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.
- Ship and document. Packed, labelled and loaded with the full export document set, and tracked through to arrival.
3-Chloro-2-methylaniline — Common Questions
The questions our technical desk is asked most often about 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline. If yours isn't here, call or email and you will reach someone who knows the chemistry.
What is the CAS number of 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline?
The CAS number for 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline (3-chloro-o-toluidine) is 87-60-5, and its EC number is 201-756-2. Its molecular formula is C₇H₈ClN with a molecular weight of 141.60 g/mol.
What is 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline used for?
It is used as a dye and pigment intermediate, as an agrochemical building block and in fine-chemical synthesis wherever the chlorine-meta, methyl-ortho substitution pattern is required.
How does it differ from 5-chloro-2-methylaniline?
The chlorine sits at a different ring position. That changes the electronics, the reactivity and the shade or activity of whatever you make from it — the two are not interchangeable.
Why does the ortho methyl matter?
It sits directly beside the amine and creates steric crowding, which slows reactions at the nitrogen and shapes the geometry of the finished molecule. That is usually why a route specifies a toluidine rather than a plain chloroaniline.
How is 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline manufactured?
By reducing the corresponding chloronitrotoluene, typically by catalytic hydrogenation, then purifying the resulting aniline by distillation.
Is 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline hazardous?
It is toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled, and is harmful to aquatic life. Refer to the current SDS for your grade for the complete hazard classification.
What is the UN number and transport classification?
Chlorotoluidines are commonly shipped under UN 3429 (liquid) or UN 2239 (solid), both Class 6.1. Confirm the correct entry and packing group against your own current SDS before relying on it for shipping documentation.
What are the melting point, boiling point and density?
Typical figures are a melting point around 0 °C, a boiling point around 245 °C, and a density around 1.16 g/mL. Confirm against your own supplier's COA for batch-specific figures.
Why has my material darkened?
Anilines oxidise on exposure to air and light. Check the container seal and lot age, and ask about nitrogen-blanketed packing if the material will sit in storage before use.
How should 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline be stored?
In sealed containers, ideally under nitrogen, cool, dry and away from direct sun, heat, ignition sources and strong oxidisers.
What purity grades do you offer?
Standard commercial grade is 99% minimum by GC assay, with isomer purity against other chlorotoluidines and colour reported on the COA.
What packing sizes and order quantities are available?
Drums or jerricans, 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 3-Chloro-2-methylaniline?
Send us your 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.