meta-Nitrotoluene 3-Nitrotoluene · CAS 99-08-1
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier of meta-Nitrotoluene, the 3-substituted mononitrotoluene isomer used principally as the feedstock for meta-toluidine, which carries it into azo-dye and pigment-intermediate manufacture. Every consignment leaves with a batch-specific COA and the current SDS.
Also known as: 3-Nitrotoluene, m-Nitrotoluene
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Price, lead time and a sample COA for meta-Nitrotoluene, usually within one working day. We ship worldwide.
Request a Quote Email the DeskDocumentation
- Batch-specific COA (assay, isomer purity, appearance)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- UN 1664 dangerous-goods transport documents
- Third-party inspection on request
- Certificate of origin
What is meta-Nitrotoluene?
meta-Nitrotoluene, also known as 3-nitrotoluene, is a benzene ring carrying a nitro group at the 3-position relative to the methyl group, formula C₇H₇NO₂. Its melting point sits close to room temperature, so it is supplied as a pale yellow liquid or a low-melting solid depending on ambient conditions.
It is one of three mononitrotoluene isomers (ortho, meta, para) produced together by nitration of toluene, then separated by fractional distillation. Commercially its principal value is as the feedstock for meta-toluidine, made by reducing the nitro group, which in turn feeds azo-dye and pigment-intermediate synthesis.
Commercially it is produced by nitrating toluene with a mixed nitric/sulfuric acid system and separating the ortho-, meta- and para-nitrotoluene isomers by fractional distillation.
Handling follows standard precautions for a mononitrotoluene — chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, adequate ventilation, and storage away from strong oxidisers, strong acids and reducing agents.
Why meta-Nitrotoluene specifically
- The feedstock for meta-toluidine. Reduction of the nitro group gives meta-toluidine, the building block most azo-dye routes built on this isomer are actually after.
- A specific nitro-methyl relationship. The meta (3-) substitution pattern gives reactivity distinct from the ortho- and para-nitrotoluene isomers.
- Dye-intermediate feedstock. Used wherever a route is built around the meta-toluidine substitution pattern.
- Distinct from ortho- and para-isomers. The reactivity and physical properties differ enough from 2- and 4-nitrotoluene that they are not interchangeable in most syntheses.
How meta-Nitrotoluene is Manufactured
meta-Nitrotoluene is produced by the nitration of toluene with a mixed nitric acid/sulfuric acid system, which generates all three mononitrotoluene isomers together.
- Nitration. Toluene is nitrated under controlled temperature with a nitric/sulfuric mixed-acid system, giving a mixture of ortho-, meta- and para-nitrotoluene.
- Acid separation and washing. The crude nitrotoluene mixture is separated from the spent acid and washed.
- Isomer separation. The ortho-, meta- and para-isomers are separated by fractional distillation to the target assay specification.
- Quality release and packing. Assay and isomer purity are confirmed against specification before the batch is packed and released.
Typical Commercial Specification
Figures below are representative of commercial-grade meta-nitrotoluene. 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 liquid or low-melting solid |
| meta-Nitrotoluene content | 99% min by GC assay |
| Isomer purity | ortho- and para-nitrotoluene, trace levels to grade |
| Moisture | To grade |
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | C₇H₇NO₂ |
| Molecular weight | 137.14 g/mol |
| Appearance | Pale yellow liquid or low-melting solid |
| Melting point | About 15 – 16 °C |
| Boiling point | About 232 °C |
| Density | About 1.16 g/mL |
| Flash point | About 106 °C |
| Incompatibilities | Strong oxidisers, strong acids, reducing agents |
Behaviour in the process
meta-Nitrotoluene's reactivity pattern is what toluidine and dye-intermediate producers are buying:
- Nitro reduction. The nitro group reduces cleanly to the amine (meta-toluidine) under catalytic hydrogenation or classical reduction systems.
- Temperature-dependent physical state. Melting close to room temperature, it can arrive as a liquid or a low-melting solid depending on transit and storage temperature; gentle warming returns it to a liquid for handling.
- Thermal stability. Stable under normal storage conditions away from strong oxidisers, strong acids and reducing agents; like other nitroaromatics it is combustible.
meta-Nitrotoluene and Related Nitrotoluenes
Choosing between nitrotoluene isomers comes down to the position of the nitro group relative to the methyl group that the target synthesis needs.
| Material | Substitution | When it is the right choice |
|---|---|---|
| meta-Nitrotoluene | 3-NO₂, 1-CH₃ | Routes needing meta-toluidine or the meta-nitro pattern specifically |
| ortho-Nitrotoluene | 2-NO₂, 1-CH₃ | Routes needing ortho-toluidine or the ortho-nitro pattern instead |
| para-Nitrotoluene | 4-NO₂, 1-CH₃ | Routes needing para-toluidine or the para-nitro pattern |
| Nitrobenzene | No ring methyl | Routes needing an unsubstituted nitro-aromatic rather than a nitrotoluene |
Stated plainly: a synthesis built around meta-toluidine, or around the meta-nitro pattern specifically, needs this isomer — the ortho- and para-nitrotoluene isomers have different reactivity and are not drop-in substitutes.
Industries We Supply meta-Nitrotoluene To
The same mononitrotoluene isomer feeds a toluidine producer, a dye-intermediate manufacturer and a fine-chemical research buyer. What changes is the downstream reduction chemistry and the documentation each requires.
Where meta-Nitrotoluene is Used
In downstream functionalisation
meta-Nitrotoluene's nitro group is carried through catalytic hydrogenation or classical reduction to give meta-toluidine, which downstream producers then take through diazotisation, acylation or cyclisation chemistry to build the target dye or fine-chemical intermediate. The meta-nitro position gives reactivity distinct from the ortho- and para-isomers, which 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 isomer purity reported alongside the main assay because ortho- and para-nitrotoluene carryover affects downstream reduction selectivity and, in turn, the purity of the toluidine your process produces.
- meta-Nitrotoluene content — by GC assay, the primary grade measure.
- Isomer purity — ortho- and para-nitrotoluene carryover, reported because it affects downstream reduction chemistry.
- Appearance — reported because it is an early indicator of oxidation or moisture pickup in storage.
Common Process Problems & Likely Causes
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Off-target reduction product | ortho- or para-nitrotoluene isomer carryover | Isomer purity figure on the COA |
| Material solidified in drum | Normal behaviour — the melting point sits close to room temperature | Warm gently before handling; not a quality defect |
| Off-shade dye product downstream | Isomer carryover propagating through the toluidine step | Isomer breakdown on the nitrotoluene 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 away from direct sun, heat and ignition sources; expect the material to solidify below about 15 °C, which is normal.
- Material compatibility. Avoid contact with strong oxidisers, strong acids and reducing agents.
- Transport classification. Commonly shipped under UN 1664 (Nitrotoluenes, liquid or solid), Class 6.1, Packing Group II — confirm the correct entry against your own current SDS before shipping.
Hazards & Safe Handling
meta-Nitrotoluene is toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled, may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure, and is harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Standard precautions for a nitroaromatic and good laboratory and plant practice apply throughout handling.
- Skin and eye contact. Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles are standard practice for nitroaromatics; rinse thoroughly with water on contact.
- 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 with long-lasting effects; avoid uncontrolled release to water and follow local effluent rules.
Regulatory & Compliance Notes
meta-Nitrotoluene is a registered specialty nitrotoluene. Because obligations differ by territory and use, the notes below are orientation rather than legal advice.
- GHS classification. Commonly classified as toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled, with a specific target-organ toxicity (repeated exposure) note and a long-term aquatic hazard (Signal word: Danger); the SDS carries the full hazard statements for your grade.
- REACH and chemical inventories. Registered under EU REACH and listed on major chemical inventories.
- Dangerous goods transport. Commonly shipped under UN 1664 (Nitrotoluenes, liquid or solid), Class 6.1, Packing Group II. Confirm the correct entry with your logistics/EHS team against your current SDS before shipping.
- HS code. Commonly declared under the mononitrotoluene heading; confirm the exact tariff line with your customs broker for your jurisdiction.
We Supply meta-Nitrotoluene Worldwide
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship meta-Nitrotoluene 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 meta-Nitrotoluene 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 reduction step 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 nitrotoluenes and toluidines. ortho-Nitrotoluene, meta-Toluidine and other isomers 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.
meta-Nitrotoluene — Common Questions
The questions our technical desk is asked most often about meta-Nitrotoluene. If yours isn't here, call or email and you will reach someone who knows the chemistry.
What is the CAS number of meta-Nitrotoluene?
The CAS number for meta-Nitrotoluene (3-Nitrotoluene) is 99-08-1, and its EC number is 202-728-6. Its molecular formula is C₇H₇NO₂ with a molecular weight of 137.14 g/mol.
What is meta-Nitrotoluene used for?
It is used mainly as the feedstock for meta-toluidine, made by reducing the nitro group, which in turn feeds azo-dye and pigment-intermediate synthesis.
Do you supply meta-Nitrotoluene worldwide?
Yes. Chelora Chemicals supplies and exports meta-Nitrotoluene worldwide — across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, as well as throughout India. Every consignment carries the COA and SDS.
Why does my drum sometimes arrive partly solid?
meta-Nitrotoluene melts around 15–16 °C, close to room temperature, so it can solidify in transit or storage on cooler days. This is normal — gently warm the drum before handling; it is not a quality defect.
How does it differ from ortho-nitrotoluene?
The nitro group's position relative to the methyl group is different — meta (3-) versus ortho (2-) — which changes the reactivity and which toluidine isomer each reduces to.
How is meta-Nitrotoluene manufactured?
By nitrating toluene with a mixed nitric/sulfuric acid system, which gives all three mononitrotoluene isomers together, then separating them by fractional distillation.
Is meta-Nitrotoluene hazardous?
Yes — it is toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled, may cause organ damage on repeated exposure, and is harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Refer to the current SDS for your grade for the complete hazard classification.
What is the UN number and transport classification?
Mononitrotoluenes are commonly shipped under UN 1664 (Nitrotoluenes, liquid or solid), Class 6.1, Packing Group II. Confirm the correct entry 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 15–16 °C, a boiling point around 232 °C, and a density around 1.16 g/mL. Confirm against your own supplier's COA for batch-specific figures.
What purity grades do you offer?
Standard commercial grade is 99% minimum by GC assay, with isomer purity (versus ortho- and para-nitrotoluene) and moisture 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 meta-Nitrotoluene?
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.