3,4-Dichloroaniline
A high-purity chlorinated aromatic amine supplied in flake and molten form as the core intermediate for urea and anilide herbicides, dyes, and pigment chemistry.
What is 3,4-Dichloroaniline?
3,4-Dichloroaniline — abbreviated 34DCA — is a white to light brown crystalline solid in which two chlorine atoms occupy the meta and para positions of an aniline ring. It is produced by the catalytic hydrogenation of 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene.
The chlorine atoms pull electron density away from the ring, which moderates the reactivity of the amino group and makes the molecule well suited to controlled acylation and urea formation. That behaviour is the reason 34DCA sits at the centre of the substituted urea and anilide herbicide families.
At Chelora Chemicals, 34DCA is crystallised and refined with isomer content, melting range, and moisture held to specification, so that condensation with isocyanates, acid chlorides, and anhydrides proceeds with consistent yield and colour.
- Appearance
- White to light brown crystalline flakes
- Odour
- Characteristic amine odour
- Solubility
- Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol and ether
- Function
- Chemical intermediate
- Grade
- Technical / agrochemical
Formula diagram
Aniline ring chlorinated at the meta and para positions
- Molecular formulaC6H5Cl2N
- Molecular weight162.02 g/mol
- IUPAC name3,4-Dichloroaniline
- Functional groupsPrimary aromatic amine, aryl chloride
- CAS number95-76-1
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical grade 3,4-Dichloroaniline. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | 3,4-Dichloroaniline |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | 34DCA, 3,4-DCA, 4,5-Dichloroaniline |
| CAS number | 95-76-1 |
| Molecular formula | C6H5Cl2N |
| Molecular weight | 162.02 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | White to light brown crystalline flakes |
| Melting point | 70–72°C |
| Boiling point | 272°C |
| Flash point | > 150°C (closed cup) |
| Isomer content | ≤ 0.5% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.3% |
| Packaging | 25 kg bags, 500 kg jumbo bags, molten tanker |
| Shelf life | 24 months from date of manufacture |
Applications of 3,4-Dichloroaniline
Urea herbicides
The principal amine component of substituted urea herbicide actives used in broad-acre and industrial weed control.
Anilide herbicides
Acylated to form anilide actives applied in rice and cereal crop protection.
Dye intermediates
Diazotised to give chlorinated diazo components for azo dye manufacture.
Organic pigments
Used in coupling and condensation routes to high-performance yellow and red pigments.
Pharmaceutical intermediates
Provides a chlorinated aniline core for amide, urea, and heterocyclic building blocks.
Specialty chemicals
Applied in the synthesis of optical brighteners, biocides, and chlorinated amine derivatives.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of 3,4-Dichloroaniline 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 molten tanker supply.
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, ignition sources, and direct sunlight.
- 03Protect from air and light exposure — the product darkens on oxidation.
- 04Segregate from strong oxidising agents, acids, and acid chlorides.
- 05Keep bags palletised and dry; avoid mechanical damage to packaging.
- 06Prevent any release to drains, surface water, or soil — the product is very toxic to aquatic life.
Handling precautions
34DCA is toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. It is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
Chlorinated anilines can be absorbed through intact skin and may affect the blood by forming methaemoglobin. Chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, eye protection, and respiratory protection are required.
Control dust during bag handling and use local exhaust ventilation for melting, charging, and transfer operations.
The product is very toxic to aquatic organisms with long-lasting effects. Contain all spills and dispose of waste through licensed chemical waste routes.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, spill response, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is 3,4-Dichloroaniline used for?
It is an intermediate. Its largest use is in substituted urea and anilide herbicides, where the amine is condensed with isocyanates or acid chlorides. It also feeds azo dye and pigment intermediates and some pharmaceutical building blocks.
How is 3,4-Dichloroaniline manufactured?
Commercially it is made by reducing 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene, usually by catalytic hydrogenation. The purity of the nitro precursor largely determines the isomer profile of the finished amine, which is why isomer content is a key specification.
What is the difference between 3,4-DCA and 2,5-DCA?
They share the same molecular formula and weight but differ in where the chlorines sit on the ring. 3,4-DCA melts near 71°C and is dominated by herbicide applications; 2,5-DCA melts near 50°C and is used mainly in pigment and dye chemistry. They are not interchangeable.
Is it soluble in water?
Only slightly. It dissolves readily in alcohols, ether, acetone, and aromatic solvents, so reactions are typically run in organic media or in molten form.
Why does the flake turn brown or pink?
Chlorinated anilines oxidise slowly in air and light, producing coloured impurities on the surface. Assay is usually unaffected, but colour is best preserved by keeping packaging sealed, cool, and out of direct light.
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 0.3%. Tighter specifications can be produced to a customer specification sheet.
What packaging sizes are available?
25 kg bags, 500 kg jumbo bags, and molten product in heated tankers for large-volume users. Samples are available for trial work.
Can the product be supplied molten?
Yes. Because it melts just above 70°C, bulk users often prefer molten supply in heated road tankers to avoid dust exposure and handling losses. Dedicated heated lines and temperature control are required at the receiving site.
Is 3,4-Dichloroaniline hazardous?
Yes. It is classified as acutely toxic by several routes, harmful on repeated exposure, and very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Handling requires trained personnel, engineering controls, and full PPE 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.