3,4-Dichloroaniline 34DCA · CAS 95-76-1

What is 3,4-Dichloroaniline?

3,4-Dichloroaniline is one of six dichloroaniline isomers, formula C₆H₅Cl₂N, with chlorine atoms at the 3 and 4 positions relative to the amino group. At room temperature it is a light yellow to brown crystalline solid, melting around 69–71 °C, with low water solubility.

Its primary value is as the aniline fragment at the heart of several phenylurea and anilide herbicides. The amine nitrogen is acylated or otherwise functionalised to build propanil, diuron, linuron and related compounds, all of which rely on the specific 3,4-dichloro substitution pattern for their herbicidal activity.

Commercially, it is produced by catalytic hydrogenation of the corresponding dichloronitrobenzene (3,4-dichloronitrobenzene), which cleanly reduces the nitro group to an amine without disturbing the two chlorines.

3,4-Dichloroaniline is not classified as a major occupational carcinogen, but it is of regulatory interest because of its toxicity and persistence in aquatic environments — a profile shared by its herbicide descendants, which is why environmental handling is as important as occupational safety for this material.

Why 3,4-Dichloroaniline specifically

• The specific isomer herbicide chemistry needs. Propanil, diuron and linuron are built on the 3,4-dichloroaniline fragment specifically; other dichloroaniline isomers give different, generally inactive or differently active compounds.
• A clean reduction product. Hydrogenation of 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene gives the amine with the chlorines intact, a reliable and scalable route.
• Dye and pigment utility. Beyond agrochemicals, the amine is also used as a coupling component in selected dye and pigment syntheses.
• Environmental relevance. As the common metabolite of several phenylurea and anilide herbicides, its environmental fate is closely studied, and supply chains for it are correspondingly well-documented.

How 3,4-Dichloroaniline is Manufactured

3,4-Dichloroaniline is made on purpose by reduction of the corresponding nitro compound, so supply tracks installed hydrogenation capacity and feedstock dichloronitrobenzene availability.

• Synthesis of 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene. Chlorination and nitration steps on benzene (or further chlorination of a nitrochlorobenzene) build the 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene precursor with the correct substitution pattern.
• Catalytic hydrogenation. The nitro group is reduced to an amine under hydrogen with a metal catalyst, or by chemical reduction, giving 3,4-dichloroaniline while leaving both chlorines in place.
• Neutralisation and separation. The reaction mass is neutralised and the amine is separated from catalyst, solvent and any under- or over-chlorinated by-products.
• Purification. The crude amine is purified by recrystallisation or distillation to the target isomer purity.
• Finishing and packing. The purified solid is milled or flaked to the required particle form, then packed.

Typical Commercial Specification

Figures below are representative of commercial-grade 3,4-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

3,4-Dichloroaniline's reactivity and fate are what both the chemist and the environmental compliance team care about:

• Amide-forming reactivity. The primary amine is readily acylated to form anilide herbicides such as propanil, or carbamoylated to form phenylurea herbicides such as diuron and linuron.
• Moderate lipophilicity. A log Kow around 2.7 gives it enough lipophilicity for biological activity while remaining water-soluble enough to move through aquatic systems.
• Environmental persistence. Low biodegradability under standard tests and negligible hydrolysis under environmental conditions mean releases persist and are closely regulated.
• Acid sensitivity. The compound can decompose at low pH, which is relevant to process design and waste handling.

3,4-Dichloroaniline and the Other Dichloroaniline Isomers

3,4-Dichloroaniline is one of six dichloroaniline isomers, and each leads to a different family of downstream products.

Stated plainly: the dichloroaniline isomers are not interchangeable — herbicide activity and dye shade both depend on exactly where the two chlorines sit relative to the amine, so a formulation built around 3,4-dichloroaniline requires that specific isomer.

Industries We Supply 3,4-Dichloroaniline To

The same crystalline amine feeds a herbicide-active-ingredient plant, a dye-intermediate works and a specialty-chemical producer. What changes is the downstream chemistry and the documentation each requires.

Where 3,4-Dichloroaniline is Used

3,4-Dichloroaniline is bought almost entirely as an agrochemical intermediate, with dye and specialty-chemical uses behind it. These are the end uses our customers build it into.

In herbicide active-ingredient manufacture

The primary amine of 3,4-dichloroaniline is acylated with propionic anhydride or acid chloride to give propanil, or reacted with an isocyanate or carbamoyl chloride to give diuron- and linuron-type phenylureas. Isomer purity matters here because off-target isomers reduce active-ingredient yield and can complicate regulatory registration of the final herbicide.

Environmental fate considerations

3,4-Dichloroaniline is the common environmental metabolite of several phenylurea and anilide herbicides, so its toxicity and persistence in water are well studied. Buyers in regulated markets should plan for the same environmental handling and reporting considerations that apply to the herbicides it builds.

Quality Control & Testing

Every lot is released against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, with isomer content reported alongside purity because herbicide activity is specific to the 3,4-substitution pattern.

• 3,4-Dichloroaniline content — by gas chromatography, the primary grade measure.
• Isomeric dichloroanilines — reported because other isomers reduce active-ingredient yield.
• Melting point — a fast indicator of purity and isomer content.
• Residual dichloronitrobenzene — checked as an incomplete-reduction impurity.
• Moisture — measured to limits relevant to handling and downstream reaction stoichiometry.
• Colour — an indicator of thermal history and trace contamination.

Common Process Problems & Likely Causes

When 3,4-dichloroaniline causes trouble, it is usually isomer carry-over, moisture or residual nitro compound. This table is the shortcut our technical desk works through before anyone opens a complaint file.

Packaging, Storage & Shipping

• Standard packing. HDPE-lined bags or drums, typically 25 kg net, palletised and shrink-wrapped for export.
• Temperature control. Store below the melting point (69–71 °C) and away from direct sun and heat sources.
• Material compatibility. Avoid contact with strong oxidisers, strong acids and acid chlorides/anhydrides.
• Environmental segregation. Keep away from waterways and drains; this compound is toxic to aquatic organisms and environmentally persistent.
• Shelf life. Stable in sealed, dry packaging; moisture ingress is the main degradation route for the solid.
• Transport. Typically classified for environmental hazard (toxic to aquatic life); confirm the exact classification with your carrier for your shipping lane.

Hazards & Safe Handling

3,4-Dichloroaniline is harmful by ingestion, inhalation and skin contact, and is of particular concern for its toxicity to aquatic organisms and environmental persistence, which governs both occupational PPE and environmental handling requirements.

• Acute toxicity. Harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through skin; avoid all three routes of exposure.
• Skin and eye contact. Causes irritation. Wear chemical-resistant gloves and goggles; rinse thoroughly with water on contact.
• Environmental toxicity. Very toxic to aquatic organisms, with effects that can last. Avoid release to waterways and drains under any circumstances.
• Dust. Avoid generating dust during handling; use local exhaust ventilation where appropriate.
• PPE. Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles and a dust mask for powder handling.
• Waste disposal. Follow local hazardous-waste rules; do not discharge to sewer or waterways.

Regulatory & Compliance Notes

3,4-Dichloroaniline is a regulated chemical with reporting obligations in several jurisdictions, largely driven by its environmental profile as the common metabolite of several herbicides. 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. Typically classified as harmful by multiple routes of exposure and very toxic to aquatic life; the SDS carries the full hazard statements for your grade.
• PRTR and release-reporting laws. Listed under pollutant release and transfer registers in several jurisdictions (for example, as a Class 1 designated chemical substance in Japan's PRTR Law) due to its use as a raw material for dyestuffs, pigments and agrochemicals.
• REACH and chemical inventories. Registered under EU REACH and listed on major chemical inventories.
• Agrochemical end-use regulation. Herbicides built from this intermediate (propanil, diuron, linuron) carry their own registration and use restrictions in many jurisdictions, independent of the intermediate itself.
• HS code. Commonly declared under the halogenated aniline derivatives heading; confirm the exact tariff line with your customs broker for your jurisdiction.
• Quality agreements. Agrochemical producers commonly expect documented isomer and moisture limits and change control. Tell us what your agreement requires.

We Supply 3,4-Dichloroaniline Worldwide

Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship 3,4-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 bag and drum 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 3,4-Dichloroaniline from Chelora

We are an independent sourcing and supply partner. For 3,4-dichloroaniline that means settling three things at enquiry: the isomer purity your registration or process requires, the particle form you need, and the documentation that supports your regulatory filings.

• Documentation on every lot. Batch-specific COA with isomer purity, melting point and moisture, plus the current SDS.
• Analysis before commitment. Representative analysis shared ahead of a commercial order so your lab can qualify the material.
• Quantities. Bag and drum trial quantities through to full bulk shipments on contract supply.
• Inspection. Independent third-party inspection available at loading when the contract requires it.
• Related intermediates. 2,5-Dichloroaniline and PNCB alongside this product from one supplier.

How ordering works

• Send the enquiry. Isomer purity, 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, particle form and a sample COA, normally within one working day.
• Qualify the supply. For first orders or regulated agrochemical 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 Dichloroaniline Isomers & Intermediates

Buyers of 3,4-dichloroaniline often source other dichloroaniline isomers or related aniline intermediates alongside it. Consolidating them cuts freight cost and gives you a single point of contact for documentation.