3,4-Dichloro Nitro Benzene
A high-purity chlorinated nitroaromatic supplied in flake and molten form as the direct precursor to 3,4-dichloroaniline, and as an intermediate for dyes and pigments.
What is 3,4-Dichloro Nitro Benzene?
3,4-Dichloro Nitro Benzene — 34DCNB — is a pale yellow crystalline solid produced by the nitration of ortho-dichlorobenzene. Its melting point sits just above 40°C, so it is often handled and shipped molten.
Its main role is as the nitro precursor that is hydrogenated to 3,4-dichloroaniline, the amine at the centre of urea and anilide herbicide chemistry. The isomer purity achieved at this stage is what determines the isomer profile of the finished amine, which makes 34DCNB specification-critical rather than a commodity feed.
At Chelora Chemicals, 34DCNB is crystallised and refined with isomer content, melting range, and moisture held to specification, so that catalytic reduction proceeds to consistent yield without catalyst fouling.
- Appearance
- Pale yellow crystalline flakes or molten liquid
- Odour
- Faint aromatic
- Solubility
- Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, ether, benzene
- Function
- Chemical intermediate
- Grade
- Technical
Formula diagram
Nitro group with chlorines at the meta and para positions
- Molecular formulaC6H3Cl2NO2
- Molecular weight192.00 g/mol
- IUPAC name1,2-Dichloro-4-nitrobenzene
- Functional groupsNitro, aryl chloride
- CAS number99-54-7
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical grade 3,4-Dichloro Nitro Benzene. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | 3,4-Dichloro Nitro Benzene |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | 34DCNB, 3,4-Dichloronitrobenzene, 1,2-Dichloro-4-nitrobenzene |
| CAS number | 99-54-7 |
| Molecular formula | C6H3Cl2NO2 |
| Molecular weight | 192.00 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | Pale yellow crystalline flakes or molten liquid |
| Melting point | 40–43°C |
| Boiling point | 255–256°C |
| Flash point | > 125°C (closed cup) |
| Isomer content | ≤ 0.5% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.2% |
| Packaging | 25 kg bags, 500 kg jumbo bags, molten tanker |
| Shelf life | 24 months from date of manufacture |
Applications of 3,4-Dichloro Nitro Benzene
3,4-Dichloroaniline route
Hydrogenated to 3,4-dichloroaniline, the amine used across urea and anilide herbicide manufacture.
Herbicide intermediates
Feeds the synthesis chain for substituted urea and anilide crop-protection actives.
Dye intermediates
Converted into chlorinated diazo components for azo dye manufacture.
Organic pigments
Supports pigment intermediate chemistry requiring a dichlorinated aromatic core.
Pharmaceutical intermediates
Used where nucleophilic displacement of an activated chlorine builds a substituted aromatic scaffold.
Specialty chemicals
Applied in biocide, optical brightener, and specialty amine synthesis.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of 3,4-Dichloro Nitro Benzene 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 below 30°C — the product melts near 40°C and will cake or fuse in warm storage.
- 03Keep away from heat, sparks, open flame, and direct sunlight.
- 04Segregate from strong oxidising agents, strong bases, and reducing agents.
- 05Molten product requires dedicated heated lines, temperature control, and extraction at charge points.
- 06Prevent release to drains, surface water, and soil; the product is hazardous to aquatic life.
Handling precautions
34DCNB is toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. It is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
Absorbed material can affect the blood by forming methaemoglobin. Chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, eye protection, and respiratory protection are required for dust, vapour, and molten handling.
Molten product presents a thermal burn hazard in addition to the chemical one. Use face protection and heat-resistant gloves during molten transfer and sampling.
Hydrogenation of this product is strongly exothermic and requires its own process risk assessment, pressure relief design, and catalyst handling controls.
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-Dichloro Nitro Benzene used for?
Its dominant use is as the precursor to 3,4-dichloroaniline, which goes into urea and anilide herbicides. It also serves dye, pigment, and specialty chemical routes that need a dichlorinated aromatic core.
How is 34DCNB manufactured?
By nitrating ortho-dichlorobenzene with mixed acid, then separating the desired isomer by crystallisation. The efficiency of that separation sets the isomer specification of the finished product.
Why does isomer purity matter so much here?
Isomers present in the nitro compound are carried through hydrogenation into the finished aniline, where they are difficult and expensive to remove. Controlling them at the nitro stage is far cheaper than correcting them later.
What is the relationship between 34DCNB and 34DCA?
34DCNB is the nitro compound; 34DCA is the amine you get by reducing it. One is the direct feedstock for the other, and many plants run both steps on the same site.
Can it be supplied molten?
Yes. With a melting point around 41°C, molten supply in heated tankers is common for bulk users, avoiding dust exposure and handling losses. The receiving site needs heated lines and temperature control.
Why does the flake cake in the bag?
Storage above roughly 30°C softens the flakes and causes fusing. Keeping the store cool, palletised, and out of direct sun prevents this without affecting assay.
Is it soluble in water?
No. It is practically insoluble in water but dissolves in alcohols, ether, acetone, and aromatic solvents, so downstream chemistry is run in organic media or on the melt.
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 0.2%. Tighter specifications can be produced to order.
What packaging sizes are available?
25 kg bags, 500 kg jumbo bags, and molten product in heated tankers. Samples are available for trial work.
Is 34DCNB hazardous?
Yes. It is classified as acutely toxic by several routes, harmful on repeated exposure, and hazardous to aquatic life. Trained personnel, engineering controls, and full PPE are required per the Safety Data Sheet.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering assay, isomer content, melting range, moisture, and appearance.