1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 1,2,4-TCB · CAS 120-82-1

What is 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene?

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, often abbreviated 1,2,4-TCB, is a benzene ring carrying three chlorine atoms in the unsymmetrical 1,2,4- pattern, formula C₆H₃Cl₃. At room temperature it is a colourless to pale yellow liquid with a mild aromatic odour, boiling around 214 °C.

Its value as an industrial chemical comes from its high boiling point and chemical stability: it is widely used as a dye-bath carrier and levelling agent in polyester dyeing, as a high-temperature heat-transfer and dielectric fluid, and as a solvent and intermediate in a range of specialty-chemical and herbicide syntheses.

Commercially, it is produced by chlorination of benzene or dichlorobenzene under controlled conditions, with the 1,2,4-isomer separated from the symmetrical 1,3,5- and 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene isomers during purification.

It ships as a toxic liquid (Class 6.1) that is also combustible — handling follows standard toxic-liquid precautions, with particular attention to aquatic environmental controls given its persistence and bioaccumulation profile.

Why 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene specifically

• An established dye carrier. Its high boiling point and solvency make it the standard carrier for disperse-dye penetration into polyester fibre at the dyehouse.
• A high-temperature functional fluid. Used as a heat-transfer medium and dielectric fluid in applications needing thermal and chemical stability.
• A versatile chemical intermediate. Feedstock for herbicide intermediates and other specialty syntheses that specifically call for the 1,2,4-substitution pattern.
• The specific isomer the application needs. The unsymmetrical 1,2,4- pattern differs from the symmetrical 1,3,5- and 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene isomers in performance and regulatory profile.

How 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene is Manufactured

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene is made through a controlled chlorination sequence, so supply tracks installed benzene chlorination capacity rather than a generic aromatics feedstock stream.

• Chlorination of benzene or dichlorobenzene. Controlled chlorination under catalysed conditions gives a mixture of trichlorobenzene isomers.
• Isomer separation. The 1,2,4-isomer is separated from the 1,3,5- and 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene isomers by distillation or crystallisation.
• Purification. The separated fraction is purified by distillation to the target purity, typically 98% or better.
• Quality release. Assay, isomer purity and colour are confirmed against specification before the batch is released.
• Finishing and packing. The liquid is packed into drums, IBCs or bulk tanks appropriate to the order quantity.

Typical Commercial Specification

Figures below are representative of commercial-grade 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene. 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

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene's physical profile is what dye-house, electrical-fluid and specialty-chemical producers are buying:

• Solvency and carrier action. Swells and plasticises polyester fibre, allowing disperse dyes to penetrate at lower bath temperatures.
• Thermal stability. High boiling point and chemical inertness make it suited to high-temperature heat-transfer and dielectric-fluid applications.
• Chlorination chemistry. Can serve as a feedstock for further chlorination or substitution chemistry in specialty intermediate synthesis.
• Low reactivity. Chemically stable under normal storage; reacts with strong oxidisers only under forcing conditions.

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene and Related Chlorinated Aromatics

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene is one of three trichlorobenzene isomers, and the choice between them depends on the application's performance and regulatory requirements.

Stated plainly: 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene is the commercially dominant isomer for dye-carrier and heat-transfer applications because its unsymmetrical structure gives the solvency and stability these uses need; the other isomers serve narrower, specialised purposes.

Industries We Supply 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene To

The same chlorinated aromatic feeds a textile dyehouse, an electrical-fluid formulator, and a specialty-chemical or herbicide intermediate producer. What changes is the application and the documentation each requires.

Where 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene is Used

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene is bought for several distinct downstream uses. These are the applications our customers use it for.

In textile dyeing

As a carrier, 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene is added to the dye bath where it swells the polyester fibre, allowing disperse dye molecules to penetrate the fibre more readily at atmospheric-pressure dyeing temperatures, improving shade depth and levelness.

In functional-fluid and specialty-chemical applications

In electrical and heat-transfer applications, its thermal stability and dielectric properties support use as a functional fluid. In specialty-chemical and agrochemical routes, it serves as a feedstock for further chlorination or substitution chemistry.

Quality Control & Testing

Every lot is released against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, with isomer purity and colour grade reported alongside the main assay because both affect performance as a dye carrier and functional fluid.

• 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene content — by GC assay, the primary grade measure.
• Isomer purity — 1,3,5- and 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene carryover, reported because it affects performance and regulatory classification.
• Moisture content — measured because moisture can affect dye-bath and functional-fluid performance.
• Colour — reported as a general handling and storage-quality indicator.

Common Process Problems & Likely Causes

When this chemical causes trouble, it is usually isomer carryover or moisture. This table is the shortcut our technical desk works through before anyone opens a complaint file.

Packaging, Storage & Shipping

• Standard packing. Drums or IBCs, typically 25 – 200 kg net, with bulk tank formats on contract supply.
• Moisture protection. Keep tightly sealed to limit moisture ingress during storage.
• Temperature control. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sun and heat sources; the material is combustible.
• Material compatibility. Avoid contact with strong oxidisers.
• Shelf life. Stable over extended storage when kept sealed and dry; retest after long storage for critical applications.
• Transport classification. UN 2321, Trichlorobenzenes, liquid, Class 6.1, Packing Group III. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT requirements apply to packing, labelling and routing.

Hazards & Safe Handling

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene is harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, and is very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Standard toxic-liquid precautions and good laboratory and plant practice apply throughout handling, with particular attention to preventing environmental release.

• Skin and eye contact. Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles are standard practice; rinse thoroughly with water on contact.
• Inhalation. Use adequate ventilation; avoid breathing vapour or mist.
• Ingestion risk. Classified harmful if swallowed; handle under standard toxic-liquid controls.
• PPE. Chemical-resistant gloves and safety goggles; a suitable respirator where vapour concentrations are elevated.
• Environment. Very toxic to aquatic organisms with long-lasting effects, consistent with its persistence; avoid uncontrolled release to water and follow local effluent rules closely.

Regulatory & Compliance Notes

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene is a registered industrial chemical shipped as a Class 6.1 toxic liquid, and is subject to environmental persistence-related restrictions in several jurisdictions. 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. Classified as harmful if swallowed, a skin irritant, and very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; the SDS carries the full hazard statements for your grade.
• REACH and chemical inventories. Registered under EU REACH and listed on major chemical inventories; subject to environmental persistence monitoring in several jurisdictions.
• Dangerous goods transport. UN 2321, Trichlorobenzenes, liquid, 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-hydrocarbon derivatives heading; confirm the exact tariff line with your customs broker for your jurisdiction.
• Quality agreements. Dye-house, electrical-fluid and specialty-chemical producers commonly expect documented purity, isomer purity and change control. Tell us what your agreement requires.

We Supply 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene Worldwide

Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 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 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 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, isomer breakdown 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, including bulk tank deliveries, on contract supply.
• Inspection. Independent third-party inspection available at loading when the contract requires it.
• Related chemicals. Other chlorinated aromatics 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. 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 dye- and electrical-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 Chlorinated Aromatic Intermediates

Buyers of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene often source other chlorinated aromatic intermediates alongside it. Consolidating them cuts freight cost and gives you a single point of contact for documentation.