Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene m-Chloronitrobenzene · MNCB · CAS 121-73-3
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier of Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene, the meta-substituted chloronitrobenzene isomer used as the key intermediate for m-chloroaniline and m-phenylenediamine, and in dye, pharmaceutical, rubber-chemical and agrochemical synthesis. Every consignment leaves with a batch-specific COA and the current SDS.
Also known as: MNCB, m-chloronitrobenzene, 1-chloro-3-nitrobenzene, 3-chloronitrobenzene
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Price, lead time and a sample COA for Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene, usually within one working day. We ship worldwide.
Request a Quote Email the DeskDocumentation
- Batch-specific COA (assay, isomer purity, melting point)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Dangerous-goods transport documents, confirmed to your SDS
- Third-party inspection on request
- Certificate of origin
What is Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene?
Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene is a benzene ring carrying a chlorine atom and a nitro group in the 1,3 (meta) relationship to each other, formula C₆H₄ClNO₂. At room temperature it is a pale yellow crystalline solid with a characteristic odour, melting around 44 °C — one of three chloronitrobenzene isomers alongside the more common ortho- and para-forms.
Its commercial value comes from being the specific precursor to m-chloroaniline and, further downstream, m-phenylenediamine — building blocks used across dye, pigment, rubber-chemical, agrochemical and pharmaceutical synthesis where the meta substitution pattern is required.
Unlike the ortho- and para-isomers, which are the direct products of chlorobenzene nitration, the meta-isomer cannot be made that way because the chlorine substituent directs incoming nitro groups to the ortho and para positions, not the meta position. Commercial production instead proceeds through a different route — see Manufacture, below.
Handling follows standard precautions for a nitro-aromatic solid — chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, adequate ventilation and dust control, and storage away from strong oxidisers, reducing agents and ignition sources.
Why Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene specifically
- The route to m-chloroaniline. Reduction of the nitro group gives m-chloroaniline directly — a building block some syntheses are designed around and that the ortho- and para-isomers do not substitute for.
- Precursor to m-phenylenediamine chemistry. Further downstream reactions build toward m-phenylenediamine and related diamine intermediates used in dyes, polymers and rubber chemicals.
- Dye and pigment intermediate. Used directly and via its reduction products in a range of dye-intermediate synthesis.
- Not interchangeable with the ortho- or para-isomer. The meta substitution pattern gives different reactivity and downstream chemistry — a route built around this isomer needs it specifically.
How Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene is Manufactured
Because direct nitration of chlorobenzene gives only the ortho- and para-isomers, Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene is manufactured by a different industrial route.
- meta-Dinitrobenzene synthesis. Benzene (or nitrobenzene) is dinitrated to give meta-dinitrobenzene, taking advantage of the nitro group's own meta-directing effect on the second nitration.
- Nitro-to-chloro exchange. One of the two nitro groups in meta-dinitrobenzene is displaced by chloride under the appropriate reaction conditions, converting it to a chlorine substituent and giving meta-chloronitrobenzene.
- Purification. The product is purified to the target assay and isomer-purity level.
- Quality release and packing. Assay, melting point 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 Nitro Chloro Benzene. 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 crystalline solid |
| m-Chloronitrobenzene content | 98% min by GC assay |
| Melting point | 43 – 45 °C |
| Isomer purity | ortho- and para-chloronitrobenzene, trace levels to grade |
| Moisture content | To grade, typically 0.2% max |
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | C₆H₄ClNO₂ |
| Molecular weight | 157.56 g/mol |
| Appearance | Pale yellow crystals, characteristic odour |
| Melting point | About 44 °C |
| Boiling point | About 236 °C |
| Density | About 1.3 g/cm³ |
| Flash point | About 103 °C (closed cup) |
| Auto-ignition temperature | About 500 °C |
| Water solubility | Very poor |
| Incompatibilities | Strong oxidisers and reducing agents; combustible dust can form explosive mixtures in air |
Behaviour in the process
Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene's reactivity pattern is what dye, pharma and rubber-chemical producers are buying:
- Nitro group reduction. Reduction of the nitro group gives m-chloroaniline, the standard route into downstream amine chemistry.
- Nucleophilic aromatic substitution. The chlorine substituent remains available for further functionalisation chemistry once the nitro group has been converted.
- Thermal stability. Stable under normal storage conditions; combustible, and dust can form explosive mixtures in air, so dust control matters in handling.
- Low water solubility. Behaves as a typical nitro-aromatic solid, very poorly soluble in water.
Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene and Related Chloronitrobenzenes
Choosing between the chloronitrobenzene isomers comes down to which substitution pattern the target amine or dye synthesis needs.
| Material | Substitution | When it is the right choice |
|---|---|---|
| Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene | 1,3 (meta) | Routes needing m-chloroaniline or m-phenylenediamine chemistry specifically |
| ortho-Chloronitrobenzene | 1,2 (ortho) | Routes needing o-chloroaniline or o-phenylenediamine chemistry |
| para-Chloronitrobenzene | 1,4 (para) | Routes needing p-chloroaniline, including rubber-chemical and dye-intermediate synthesis using this pattern |
| Ortho Chloro Aniline | o-chloroaniline (reduced, ortho) | When the reduced amine itself — not the nitro precursor — is what your process needs |
Stated plainly: a synthesis built around m-chloroaniline or m-phenylenediamine needs this specific isomer — the ortho- and para-isomers have different reactivity and lead to different downstream amines.
Industries We Supply Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene To
Where Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene is Used
In downstream functionalisation
Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene is typically reduced first, carrying the material through to m-chloroaniline before further substitution or coupling chemistry builds the target dye, pharmaceutical or rubber-chemical intermediate. The meta substitution pattern gives distinct reactivity compared with the ortho- and para-isomers, which is often exactly why a route is designed around this material specifically.
Need a specific purity or isomer grade?
Tell us the purity and isomer-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-chloronitrobenzene carryover affects downstream reaction selectivity and the colour of the final dye or pharmaceutical intermediate.
- m-Chloronitrobenzene content — by GC assay, the primary grade measure.
- Melting point — a fast purity and identity check.
- Isomer purity — ortho- and para-chloronitrobenzene carryover, reported because it affects downstream chemistry.
- Moisture content — measured because moisture can affect downstream reaction yield.
Common Process Problems & Likely Causes
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Off-target reaction product | ortho- or para-isomer carryover | Isomer purity figure on the COA |
| Poor reduction yield to m-chloroaniline | Moisture or trace impurities | Moisture content and assay on the COA |
| Off-shade dye product | Isomer or colour-grade impurities | Colour specification and isomer breakdown on the COA |
Packaging, Storage & Shipping
- Standard packing. Fibre drums or HDPE bags, typically 25 – 200 kg net, with larger bulk formats on contract supply.
- Moisture protection. Keep sealed and protected from moisture ingress during storage.
- Temperature control. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sun, heat and ignition sources; the material is combustible and can form explosive dust/air mixtures.
- Material compatibility. Avoid contact with strong oxidisers and reducing agents; do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
- Transport classification. UN 1578, "Nitrochlorobenzenes", Class 6.1 (toxic), Packing Group II.
Hazards & Safe Handling
Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene is harmful if swallowed, toxic in contact with skin, toxic to aquatic life, and is reported to cause damage to blood. Standard precautions for a nitro-aromatic solid and good laboratory and plant practice apply throughout handling.
- Skin and eye contact. Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles are essential — the material is toxic via skin absorption, not just on direct contact; rinse thoroughly with water on contact.
- Inhalation. Use adequate ventilation and dust control when handling the crystalline solid.
- PPE. Chemical-resistant gloves rated for skin-absorbed toxins, safety goggles and, where dust is generated, a suitable respirator.
- Environment. Toxic to aquatic organisms; avoid uncontrolled release to water and follow local effluent rules.
Regulatory & Compliance Notes
Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene is a registered chloronitrobenzene intermediate. Because obligations differ by territory and use, the notes below are orientation rather than legal advice.
- GHS classification. Reported as harmful if swallowed, toxic in contact with skin, toxic to aquatic life and associated with blood-related systemic effects (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. UN 1578, Class 6.1, Packing Group II, under the "nitrochlorobenzenes" group entry — confirm with your logistics/EHS team against your current SDS before shipping.
- HS code. Internationally classified under HS heading 2904.20 (mononitro/mononitroso derivatives); confirm the exact national tariff subheading with your customs broker.
We Supply Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene Across All Seven Continents
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene from India and from partner sources to customers across every inhabited continent, 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 Nitro Chloro Benzene 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 intermediates. Ortho Chloro Aniline and other chloronitrobenzene/chloroaniline 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 pharma/dye-grade applications, we share the analysis so your technical team can sign off before you commit.
- Confirm transport classification. We work with you and your logistics team to confirm the UN number and transport class for your lane.
- 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 Nitro Chloro Benzene — Common Questions
The questions our technical desk is asked most often about Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene. If yours isn't here, call or email and you will reach someone who knows the chemistry.
What is the CAS number of Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene?
The CAS number is 121-73-3, and the EC number is 204-469-1. Its molecular formula is C₆H₄ClNO₂ with a molecular weight of 157.56 g/mol.
What is Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene used for?
It is the key precursor to m-chloroaniline and m-phenylenediamine, and is used across dye, pigment, pharmaceutical, rubber-chemical and agrochemical intermediate synthesis requiring the meta substitution pattern.
Do you supply Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene worldwide?
Yes. Chelora Chemicals supplies and exports Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene worldwide — across Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Australia & Oceania, as well as throughout India. Every consignment carries the COA and SDS.
How does it differ from ortho- and para-chloronitrobenzene?
The chlorine/nitro substitution pattern is different — meta (1,3) versus ortho (1,2) or para (1,4) — which determines which downstream amine (m-, o- or p-chloroaniline) and which family of dye, pharma or rubber-chemical products each isomer is suited for.
How is Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene manufactured?
Via meta-dinitrobenzene, with one of its two nitro groups displaced by chloride in a nitro-to-chloro exchange reaction — a different route from the direct nitration used for the ortho- and para-isomers, because chlorine's directing effect does not favour the meta position.
Is Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene hazardous?
It is harmful if swallowed, toxic in contact with skin, toxic to aquatic life, and is reported to cause damage to blood. Refer to the current SDS for your grade for the complete hazard classification.
What is the UN number and transport classification?
UN 1578, under the "nitrochlorobenzenes" group entry, Class 6.1 (toxic), Packing Group II.
What are the melting point, boiling point and density?
Typical figures are a melting point around 44 °C, a boiling point around 236 °C, a density around 1.3 g/cm³ and a flash point around 103 °C (closed cup). Confirm against your own supplier's COA for batch-specific figures.
How should Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene be stored?
In sealed containers, cool, dry and away from direct sun, heat, ignition sources, strong oxidisers and reducing agents. Do not transport or store with food and feedstuffs.
What purity grades do you offer?
Standard commercial grade is 98% minimum by GC assay, with isomer purity (versus the ortho- and para-isomers) and moisture content reported on the COA.
Ready to source Meta Nitro Chloro Benzene?
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.