2,6-Dichloroaniline
A high-purity chlorinated aromatic amine supplied as flakes for pharmaceutical intermediate manufacture, agrochemical actives, and specialty synthesis.
What is 2,6-Dichloroaniline?
2,6-Dichloroaniline — 26DCA — is a white to light brown crystalline solid with chlorine atoms on both carbons flanking the amino group. It is the most sterically hindered of the dichloroaniline isomers.
That symmetry is what makes it useful. With both ortho positions blocked, the nitrogen is shielded and any group attached to it is forced out of the plane of the ring. Molecules built on this core adopt a twisted geometry that plain anilines cannot reproduce, which is why 26DCA appears in pharmaceutical rather than dye chemistry.
At Chelora Chemicals, 26DCA is crystallised and refined with isomer content, melting range, and moisture held to specification, at a quality suitable for pharmaceutical intermediate use.
- Appearance
- White to light brown crystalline flakes
- Odour
- Characteristic amine odour
- Solubility
- Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol, ether, dilute acid
- Function
- Chemical intermediate
- Grade
- Technical / pharma intermediate
Formula diagram
Aniline ring with chlorine on both positions flanking the amine
- Molecular formulaC6H5Cl2N
- Molecular weight162.02 g/mol
- IUPAC name2,6-Dichloroaniline
- Functional groupsPrimary aromatic amine, aryl chloride
- CAS number608-31-1
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical and pharma-intermediate grade 2,6-Dichloroaniline. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | 2,6-Dichloroaniline |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | 26DCA, 2,6-DCA, 1-Amino-2,6-dichlorobenzene |
| CAS number | 608-31-1 |
| Molecular formula | C6H5Cl2N |
| Molecular weight | 162.02 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | White to light brown crystalline flakes |
| Melting point | 39–41°C |
| Boiling point | 239°C |
| Flash point | > 110°C (closed cup) |
| Isomer content | ≤ 0.5% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.3% |
| Packaging | 25 kg bags, 200 kg drums, molten tanker |
| Shelf life | 24 months from date of manufacture |
Applications of 2,6-Dichloroaniline
Pharmaceutical intermediates
A recognised building block for anti-inflammatory API synthesis and related development compounds.
Agrochemical intermediates
Used in crop-protection actives where a hindered dichlorinated aniline is required.
Amide & anilide chemistry
Acylated to form twisted amides that plain anilines cannot form.
Heterocyclic synthesis
Condensed into nitrogen heterocycles requiring blocked ortho positions.
Dye intermediates
Applied in selected chlorinated colour intermediates.
Analytical standards
Supplied as a reference material for chloroaniline impurity testing.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of 2,6-Dichloroaniline is manufactured, tested, and documented to a standard that formulators and process chemists can build on with confidence — from first sample to full production volume.
Consistent purity
Assay controlled at ≥99% with isomer content and melting range verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 25 kg bags to drums and molten tanker supply.
Technical support
Process, handling, and compliance guidance from our chemistry team.
Storage and guidelines
- 01Store in tightly closed original packaging in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store.
- 02Keep below 30°C — the product melts near 40°C and cakes in warm storage.
- 03Protect from air and light; the product darkens on oxidation.
- 04Segregate from strong oxidising agents, acids, and acid chlorides.
- 05Keep packaging sealed and palletised, and re-seal promptly after use.
- 06Prevent release to drains, surface water, and soil — the product is very toxic to aquatic life.
Handling precautions
26DCA is toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. It is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
Chlorinated anilines are absorbed through intact skin and may affect the blood by forming methaemoglobin. Chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, eye protection, and respiratory protection are required.
The melting point is low, so warm-weather storage and transport can produce partially molten material. Check packaging before opening and avoid skin contact with the liquid phase.
The product is very toxic to aquatic organisms with long-lasting effects. Contain all spills and dispose of waste through licensed routes.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, spill response, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is 2,6-Dichloroaniline used for?
Mainly pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis, particularly anti-inflammatory chemistry, along with agrochemical actives and specialty amide routes that need a sterically hindered aniline.
Why does the 2,6 substitution pattern matter?
Chlorines on both sides of the amino group block rotation and force any attached group out of the ring plane. That twisted geometry is essential to how the resulting molecules bind their targets, and it cannot be reproduced with the 2,4 or 3,4 isomers.
How does 26DCA compare with the other dichloroaniline isomers?
All share the formula C6H5Cl2N and a weight of 162.02. 26DCA is the hindered, symmetrical one used in pharmaceutical chemistry; 25DCA serves pigments; 34DCA serves herbicides; 24DCA serves dyes and pigments. They are not interchangeable.
Is the amine less reactive because of the hindrance?
Yes, noticeably. Both chlorines reduce the basicity of the nitrogen and physically shield it, so acylation and condensation typically need more forcing conditions or more reactive acylating agents than a plain aniline would.
Is it soluble in water?
Only slightly in neutral water. It dissolves in alcohols, ether, and dilute mineral acid, though acid salt formation is slower than with less hindered anilines.
Why does the flake cake or partially melt in the bag?
The melting point is only about 40°C, so warm storage or transport softens the material. Keeping the store below 30°C and out of direct sun prevents most of it without affecting assay.
What purity do you supply?
Standard grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 99% with isomer content at or below 0.5% and moisture at or below 0.3%. Pharmaceutical intermediate specifications with tighter impurity limits can be manufactured to order.
What packaging sizes are available?
25 kg bags, 200 kg drums, and molten product in heated tankers for bulk users. Samples are available for qualification work.
Can you supply to a pharmaceutical intermediate specification?
Yes. Isomer limits, residual solvent, metals, and colour can be tightened to a customer specification sheet, with the supporting analytical documentation required for qualification.
Is 26DCA hazardous?
Yes. It is acutely toxic by several routes, absorbed through skin, and very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Trained personnel, dust control, and full PPE are required per the Safety Data Sheet.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Every batch is dispatched with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering assay, isomer content, melting range, moisture, and appearance.