3,4-Dichloronitrobenzene 1,2-Dichloro-4-nitrobenzene · CAS 99-54-7

What is 3,4-Dichloronitrobenzene?

3,4-Dichloronitrobenzene, formally 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene, is a benzene ring carrying two chlorine atoms and one nitro group, formula C₆H₃Cl₂NO₂. At room temperature it is a colourless to yellow crystalline solid or beige powder, melting around 39–41 °C and boiling near 255–256 °C.

Its value as an intermediate comes from the nitro group, which is readily reduced to an amine, making it the standard route to 3,4-dichloroaniline — a building block used widely across dye, pigment, agrochemical and pharmaceutical synthesis. The two chlorine atoms stay in place through the reduction, carrying the desired substitution pattern into the downstream amine.

Commercially, it is produced by nitration of 1,2-dichlorobenzene under controlled conditions, selecting for the 3,4- (asymmetric) isomer and separating it from other positional nitro-dichlorobenzene isomers formed in the reaction.

It ships as a toxic solid (Class 6.1) rather than under flammable-liquid classifications — handling follows standard toxic-solid precautions, with particular attention to dust control, skin contact and sensitisation risk.

Why 3,4-Dichloronitrobenzene specifically

• The standard precursor to 3,4-dichloroaniline. Catalytic or chemical reduction of the nitro group gives 3,4-dichloroaniline directly, a key dye and agrochemical intermediate.
• A reliable nitroarene for further chemistry. The nitro group also supports other transformations common in fine-chemical synthesis beyond simple reduction.
• The specific substitution pattern dye and agro routes need. The 3,4-dichloro (asymmetric) pattern is distinct from the symmetric 2,5- and other dichloronitrobenzene isomers, and a route built around it needs this specific material.
• Established supply chemistry. Produced via well-understood nitration routes on 1,2-dichlorobenzene, giving predictable lead times against standing production capacity.

How 3,4-Dichloronitrobenzene is Manufactured

3,4-Dichloronitrobenzene is made through a controlled nitration and isomer-separation sequence, so supply tracks installed nitroaromatic capacity and isomer-splitting capability rather than a generic aromatics feedstock stream.

• Nitration of 1,2-dichlorobenzene. 1,2-Dichlorobenzene is nitrated under controlled conditions, generating a mixture of nitro-dichlorobenzene isomers.
• Isomer separation. The 3,4- (asymmetric) isomer is separated from the other positional isomers, typically by fractional crystallisation or distillation.
• Purification. The isolated isomer is purified to the target purity, typically 97% or better by GC.
• Quality release. Melting point, GC purity and isomer content are confirmed against specification before the batch is released.
• Finishing and packing. The purified solid is milled or flaked as required and packed under standard toxic-solid handling conditions.

Typical Commercial Specification

Figures below are representative of commercial-grade 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene. 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-Dichloronitrobenzene's reactivity pattern is what synthesis chemists are buying:

• Nitro-group reduction. Catalytic hydrogenation or chemical reduction converts the nitro group cleanly to the corresponding amine, giving 3,4-dichloroaniline.
• Electron-poor ring. The nitro group and two chlorines make the ring electron-poor, which affects the rate and selectivity of further substitution reactions.
• Combustibility. Stable under normal conditions; standard ignition-source control applies during processing and milling.
• Sensitisation potential. May cause sensitisation by skin contact, so repeated or prolonged exposure should be avoided.

3,4-Dichloronitrobenzene and Related Nitrobenzenes

3,4-Dichloronitrobenzene is one of several dichloronitrobenzene isomers, and the choice between them depends entirely on the substitution pattern the target synthesis needs.

Stated plainly: the choice of dichloronitrobenzene isomer is dictated by the target molecule's exact substitution pattern — a route designed around 3,4-dichloroaniline needs this specific isomer, and a different pattern requires a different starting material.

Industries We Supply 3,4-Dichloronitrobenzene To

The same nitroarene intermediate feeds a dye and pigment plant, an agrochemical producer and a pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturer. What changes is the downstream reduction chemistry and the documentation each requires.

Where 3,4-Dichloronitrobenzene is Used

3,4-Dichloronitrobenzene is bought almost entirely as a synthesis intermediate for reduction to 3,4-dichloroaniline. These are the downstream chemistries our customers use it for.

In dye, agrochemical and pharmaceutical synthesis

The nitro group is reduced under catalytic hydrogenation or chemical reduction to give 3,4-dichloroaniline, which is carried forward into azo-dye coupling, herbicide formation or pharmaceutical intermediate chemistry. Isomer purity matters because a positional impurity reduces to an off-target dichloroaniline isomer, which complicates purification of the final product.

In specialty-material synthesis

Outside dye and agrochemical uses, the same dichloronitroaryl fragment contributes to fine-chemical and performance-material products where the specific substitution pattern is valued independently of its use as an aniline precursor.

Quality Control & Testing

Every lot is released against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, with isomer purity and moisture content reported alongside the main assay because both affect downstream reduction yield.

• 3,4-Dichloronitrobenzene content — by gas chromatography, the primary grade measure.
• Isomeric dichloronitrobenzenes — reported because positional isomer carry-over reduces to the wrong dichloroaniline isomer.
• Moisture content — measured because moisture can interfere with catalytic hydrogenation.
• Melting point — a fast purity and identity check.

Common Process Problems & Likely Causes

When this intermediate causes trouble, it is usually isomer carry-over or catalyst-related. This table is the shortcut our technical desk works through before anyone opens a complaint file.

Packaging, Storage & Shipping

• Standard packing. Fibre drums or HDPE bags, typically 25 – 200 kg net, with larger bulk formats on contract supply.
• Moisture exclusion. Keep sealed and dry, particularly where the material will be used directly in catalytic hydrogenation.
• Temperature control. Store below +30 °C, away from direct sun and heat sources.
• Material compatibility. Avoid contact with strong oxidisers and strong bases.
• Shelf life. Stable in sealed, dry containers under normal storage conditions.
• Transport classification. UN 1578, toxic solid, aromatic, N.O.S., Class 6.1, Packing Group III. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT requirements apply to packing, labelling and routing.

Hazards & Safe Handling

3,4-Dichloronitrobenzene is harmful if swallowed, irritating to the eyes, and may cause sensitisation by skin contact. It is also toxic to aquatic organisms with potential long-term effects, so standard toxic-solid precautions and good laboratory and plant practice apply throughout handling.

• Skin and eye contact. Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles are standard practice; rinse thoroughly with water on contact and seek medical advice for eye exposure.
• Sensitisation. May cause sensitisation on repeated skin contact; avoid prolonged or repeated exposure.
• Inhalation. Use adequate ventilation and dust control when handling the crystalline solid.
• PPE. Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles and, where dust is generated, a suitable respirator.
• Environment. Toxic to aquatic organisms with potential long-term effects; avoid uncontrolled release to water and follow local effluent rules.

Regulatory & Compliance Notes

3,4-Dichloronitrobenzene is a registered specialty nitroaromatic shipped as a Class 6.1 toxic solid. 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 if swallowed, an eye irritant and skin sensitiser with aquatic hazard labelling; 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, toxic solid, aromatic, N.O.S., Class 6.1, Packing Group III. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT requirements apply to packing, labelling and routing.
• HS code. Commonly declared under the halogenated nitro-derivative heading; confirm the exact tariff line with your customs broker for your jurisdiction.
• Quality agreements. Dye, agrochemical and pharma producers commonly expect documented isomer purity limits and change control. Tell us what your agreement requires.

We Supply 3,4-Dichloronitrobenzene Worldwide

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

We are an independent sourcing and supply partner. For this product that means settling three things at enquiry: the purity and isomer tolerance your reduction chemistry needs, the packing format, and the quantity you are buying.

• Documentation on every lot. Batch-specific COA with purity, isomer content 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. 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. Other chloronitrobenzene intermediates alongside this product from one supplier.

How ordering works

• Send the enquiry. 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, packing format and a sample COA, normally within one working day.
• Qualify the supply. For first orders or pharma-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.
• 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 Nitroaromatic & Aniline Intermediates

Buyers of 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene often source other chloronitrobenzene and chloroaniline intermediates alongside it. Consolidating them cuts freight cost and gives you a single point of contact for documentation.