Ortho Nitro Anisole 2-Nitroanisole · CAS 91-23-6
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier of Ortho Nitro Anisole, the key precursor to ortho-anisidine and ortho-dianisidine used across azo dye and pigment manufacture. Every consignment leaves with a batch-specific COA and the current SDS.
Also known as: 2-Nitroanisole, o-Nitroanisole, 1-Methoxy-2-nitrobenzene, 2-Methoxynitrobenzene
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Price, lead time and a sample COA for Ortho Nitro Anisole, usually within one working day. We ship worldwide.
Request a Quote Email the DeskDocumentation
- Batch-specific COA (assay, colour, moisture)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- UN 2730 dangerous-goods transport documents
- Third-party inspection on request
- Certificate of origin
What is Ortho Nitro Anisole?
Ortho Nitro Anisole, also known as 2-nitroanisole, is a benzene ring carrying a methoxy group and a nitro group in the 1,2 (ortho) relationship, formula C₇H₇NO₃. It is supplied as a pale yellow to reddish liquid, poorly soluble in water but soluble in alcohol and ether.
Its commercial importance comes almost entirely from one downstream step: reduction of the nitro group gives ortho-anisidine, which is itself reduced/coupled further to ortho-dianisidine — both long-established dye-intermediate building blocks used across azo and direct dye manufacture. It also serves as a starting material for guaiacol synthesis and general organic synthesis.
Commercially it is produced by reacting 2-chloronitrobenzene with methanolic sodium alkoxide (methanol/sodium hydroxide), which displaces the chlorine to install the methoxy group.
Handling follows precautions appropriate to a nitro-aromatic with a harmonised carcinogen classification — chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, adequate ventilation, and storage away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidisers and strong reducing agents.
Why Ortho Nitro Anisole specifically
- Direct route to ortho-anisidine. Catalytic or chemical reduction of the nitro group is the standard commercial path to ortho-anisidine and ortho-dianisidine.
- Dye and pigment intermediate. Feeds azo dye and direct dye synthesis wherever this methoxy/nitro substitution pattern is the structural requirement.
- Pharma and fine-chemical building block. Also used as an intermediate in pharmaceutical production and general organic synthesis.
- Distinct from the para-isomer. Para Nitroanisole (CAS 100-17-4) has different reactivity and is not a drop-in substitute in routes designed around the ortho substitution.
How Ortho Nitro Anisole is Manufactured
Ortho Nitro Anisole is produced commercially by nucleophilic displacement of the chlorine in 2-chloronitrobenzene with a methoxide source, typically generated from methanol and sodium hydroxide.
- Methoxide formation. Sodium hydroxide is dissolved in methanol to generate sodium methoxide in situ.
- Nucleophilic substitution. Methanolic sodium hydroxide is added slowly to 2-chloronitrobenzene, which displaces the activated chlorine under controlled temperature.
- Workup. The crude product separates as an oil on dilution with water and is washed free of salts.
- Purification and quality release. The product is purified to the target assay, then colour and moisture are confirmed against specification before the batch is packed and released.
Typical Commercial Specification
Figures below are representative of commercial-grade Ortho Nitro Anisole. Tell us your downstream route and the grade you need, and we will advise on the specification to order against.
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Pale yellow to reddish liquid |
| 2-Nitroanisole content | 98–99% min by GC assay |
| Isomer purity | para-Nitroanisole, trace levels to grade |
| Colour | To grade; freshness indicator ahead of use |
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | C₇H₇NO₃ |
| Molecular weight | 153.14 g/mol |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to reddish liquid |
| Melting point | About 9 – 12 °C |
| Boiling point | About 272 – 277 °C |
| Density | About 1.25 g/mL |
| Flash point | About 142 °C |
| Water solubility | Slightly soluble, about 1.5 – 1.7 g/L |
| Incompatibilities | Strong oxidisers; strong reducing agents |
Behaviour in the process
Ortho Nitro Anisole's reactivity pattern is what dye-intermediate producers are buying:
- Nitro reducibility. The nitro group reduces cleanly by catalytic hydrogenation or iron/acid systems to give ortho-anisidine.
- Stable methoxy linkage. The methoxy group is not displaced under the reduction conditions used downstream, so it carries through to the anisidine product.
- Thermal stability. Stable under normal storage conditions away from strong oxidisers and reducing agents.
Ortho Nitro Anisole and Related Nitroaromatics
Choosing between nitroanisole isomers and related nitro intermediates comes down to the substitution pattern and the functional group the target synthesis needs.
| Material | Substitution | When it is the right choice |
|---|---|---|
| Ortho Nitro Anisole | 2-NO₂, 1-OCH₃ | Routes to ortho-anisidine / ortho-dianisidine |
| Para Nitroanisole | 4-NO₂, 1-OCH₃ | Routes needing the para-substitution pattern instead |
| ortho-Nitrophenol | 2-NO₂, 1-OH | Routes needing the free phenol rather than the methyl ether |
| 2-Chloronitrobenzene | 2-NO₂, 1-Cl | The feedstock used to manufacture Ortho Nitro Anisole itself |
Stated plainly: a route built around ortho-anisidine needs Ortho Nitro Anisole specifically — the para-isomer and the free phenol have different reactivity and are not drop-in substitutes.
Industries We Supply Ortho Nitro Anisole To
The same nitroanisole feeds a dye-intermediate manufacturer and a pharmaceutical intermediate producer. What changes is the downstream reduction and coupling chemistry and the documentation each requires.
Where Ortho Nitro Anisole is Used
In downstream functionalisation
Ortho Nitro Anisole's nitro group is carried through catalytic hydrogenation or iron/acid reduction to build ortho-anisidine, which is then taken forward to ortho-dianisidine or coupled directly into dye structures. The ortho relationship between the methoxy and nitro groups is often exactly why a route is designed around this material specifically.
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 colour reported alongside the main assay because colour drift is often the first visible sign of oxidation or ageing in a nitroaromatic liquid.
- 2-Nitroanisole content — by GC assay, the primary grade measure.
- Isomer purity — para-nitroanisole carryover, reported because it affects downstream anisidine quality.
- Colour — reported because it is a practical freshness indicator ahead of downstream reduction.
Common Process Problems & Likely Causes
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Off-colour anisidine after reduction | Isomer carryover or colour-grade impurities in the feedstock | Colour and isomer purity figures on the COA |
| Incomplete reduction / catalyst poisoning | Trace impurities carried from an off-spec lot | Assay and impurity profile on the COA; catalyst activity |
| Off-target substitution product | Para-nitroanisole isomer carryover | Isomer purity figure on the COA |
Packaging, Storage & Shipping
- Standard packing. Drums or jerricans, typically 25 – 200 kg net, with larger bulk formats on contract supply.
- Temperature control. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; the material can solidify below about 9–12 °C, so mild warming may be needed before unloading in cold climates.
- Material compatibility. Avoid contact with strong oxidisers and strong reducing agents.
- Light and heat. Keep containers tightly closed and away from direct sun, heat and ignition sources.
- Transport classification. Commonly shipped under UN 2730 (Nitroanisole), Class 6.1 — confirm the correct packing group against your own current SDS before shipping.
Hazards & Safe Handling
Ortho Nitro Anisole is harmful if swallowed and carries a harmonised EU classification as a Category 1B carcinogen (may cause cancer through inhalation or skin contact). Standard precautions for a nitro-aromatic intermediate and good laboratory and plant practice apply throughout handling.
- Skin and eye contact. Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles are standard practice given the carcinogen classification; rinse thoroughly with water on contact.
- Inhalation. Use adequate ventilation or local exhaust when handling, given the inhalation route for the carcinogenicity classification.
- PPE. Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles and, where vapour exposure is a concern, a suitable respirator.
- Exposure minimisation. As with any Category 1B carcinogen, exposure should be reduced as far as reasonably practicable and engineering controls preferred over PPE alone.
Regulatory & Compliance Notes
Ortho Nitro Anisole is a registered specialty nitroaromatic with an established regulatory history. Because obligations differ by territory and use, the notes below are orientation rather than legal advice.
- GHS / EU CLP classification. Harmonised classification includes Carc. 1B with hazard statement H350 (may cause cancer), alongside acute toxicity and other hazard classes; the SDS carries the full hazard statements for your grade.
- IARC evaluation. ortho-Nitroanisole was evaluated as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) in IARC Monograph Volume 65 (1996), and the classification was updated to probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A) in IARC Monograph Volume 127 (2020).
- REACH and chemical inventories. Registered under EU REACH and listed on major chemical inventories; several regional authorities, including California's Proposition 65 framework, list related nitroanisole compounds.
- Dangerous goods transport. Commonly shipped under UN 2730 (Nitroanisole), Class 6.1. Confirm the correct packing group with your logistics/EHS team against your current SDS before shipping.
- HS code. Commonly declared under the aromatic ether derivatives heading; confirm the exact tariff line with your customs broker for your jurisdiction.
We Supply Ortho Nitro Anisole Worldwide
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship Ortho Nitro Anisole 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 Ortho Nitro Anisole 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 nitroaromatics. Para Nitroanisole, ortho-anisidine and other dye-intermediate feedstocks 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.
Ortho Nitro Anisole — Common Questions
The questions our technical desk is asked most often about Ortho Nitro Anisole. If yours isn't here, call or email and you will reach someone who knows the chemistry.
What is the CAS number of Ortho Nitro Anisole?
The CAS number for Ortho Nitro Anisole (2-Nitroanisole) is 91-23-6, and its EC number is 202-052-1. Its molecular formula is C₇H₇NO₃ with a molecular weight of 153.14 g/mol.
What is Ortho Nitro Anisole used for?
It is used mainly as the precursor to ortho-anisidine and ortho-dianisidine, both established dye-intermediate building blocks for azo and direct dyes. It also serves pharmaceutical intermediate chemistry and guaiacol synthesis.
Do you supply Ortho Nitro Anisole worldwide?
Yes. Chelora Chemicals supplies and exports Ortho Nitro Anisole 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 does it differ from para-nitroanisole?
The nitro group's position relative to the methoxy group is different — ortho (2-) versus para (4-) — which changes the reactivity and which target molecules each isomer is suited for. Routes built around ortho-anisidine need the ortho-isomer specifically.
How is Ortho Nitro Anisole manufactured?
By reacting 2-chloronitrobenzene with methanolic sodium hydroxide, which displaces the chlorine with a methoxy group, followed by workup and purification.
Is Ortho Nitro Anisole hazardous?
It is harmful if swallowed and carries a harmonised EU classification as a Category 1B carcinogen (H350). Refer to the current SDS for your grade for the complete hazard classification.
What is the UN number and transport classification?
Ortho Nitro Anisole is commonly shipped under UN 2730 (Nitroanisole), Class 6.1, Packing Group III. Confirm the correct 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 9–12 °C, a boiling point around 272–277 °C, and a density around 1.25 g/mL. Confirm against your own supplier's COA for batch-specific figures.
How should Ortho Nitro Anisole be stored?
In sealed containers, cool, dry and away from direct sun, heat, ignition sources and strong oxidisers or reducing agents. The material can solidify below about 9–12 °C, so mild warming may be needed before unloading in cold climates.
What purity grades do you offer?
Standard commercial grade is 98–99% minimum by GC assay, with isomer purity (versus para-nitroanisole) 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 Ortho Nitro Anisole?
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.