Meta Dichlorobenzene
A high-purity chlorinated aromatic liquid supplied as a synthesis intermediate and high-boiling process solvent for dye, agrochemical, and pharmaceutical manufacture.
What is Meta Dichlorobenzene?
Meta Dichlorobenzene — MDCB, or 1,3-dichlorobenzene — is a colourless liquid with chlorine atoms in the meta relationship on a benzene ring.
It is the scarcest of the three dichlorobenzene isomers, because direct chlorination of benzene strongly favours the ortho and para products. The meta isomer is normally obtained by isomerisation or by routes that start from a meta-directed precursor, which is why it commands a premium over its siblings.
At Chelora Chemicals, MDCB is distilled with isomer content and moisture held to specification. Its main downstream role is nitration to 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene, which is then reduced to 2,4-dichloroaniline for dye, pigment, and agrochemical manufacture.
- Appearance
- Clear, colourless liquid
- Odour
- Characteristic aromatic
- Solubility
- Practically insoluble in water; miscible with organic solvents
- Function
- Chemical intermediate / solvent
- Grade
- Technical
Formula diagram
Benzene ring with chlorine in the meta relationship
- Molecular formulaC6H4Cl2
- Molecular weight147.00 g/mol
- IUPAC name1,3-Dichlorobenzene
- Functional groupsAryl chloride
- CAS number541-73-1
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical grade Meta Dichlorobenzene. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | Meta Dichlorobenzene |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | MDCB, 1,3-Dichlorobenzene, m-Dichlorobenzene |
| CAS number | 541-73-1 |
| Molecular formula | C6H4Cl2 |
| Molecular weight | 147.00 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.5% |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless liquid |
| Density (20°C) | 1.286–1.292 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | 173°C |
| Melting point | −24.7°C |
| Flash point | 63°C (closed cup) |
| Isomer content | ≤ 0.5% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.05% |
| Packaging | 250 kg drums, 1000 kg IBC, ISO tank |
| Shelf life | 24 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of Meta Dichlorobenzene
Nitration feedstock
Nitrated to 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene, the precursor to 2,4-dichloroaniline for dye and pigment chemistry.
Agrochemical intermediates
Feeds crop-protection synthesis routes requiring a meta-chlorinated aromatic core.
Pharmaceutical intermediates
Used where the meta substitution pattern is needed in an API scaffold.
Dye & pigment intermediates
Converted into chlorinated colour intermediates through nitration and reduction.
Process solvent
Applied as a stable, high-boiling reaction medium in specialty organic synthesis.
Specialty chemicals
Used in the synthesis of biocides and chlorinated aromatic derivatives.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of Meta Dichlorobenzene 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 ≥99.5% with ortho and para isomer content verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 250 kg drums to IBC and ISO tank supply.
Technical support
Process, handling, and compliance guidance from our chemistry team.
Storage and guidelines
- 01Store in tightly sealed original containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store.
- 02Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame; the product is combustible above its flash point.
- 03Segregate from strong oxidising agents, strong bases, and active metals such as aluminium powder.
- 04Use compatible containers: carbon steel, stainless steel, or lined steel; check elastomer seal compatibility.
- 05Earth and bond containers and lines during transfer to control static.
- 06Bund all bulk storage and prevent any release to drains, surface water, or soil.
Handling precautions
MDCB is harmful if swallowed or inhaled, causes skin and eye irritation, and is very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. It is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
Use closed transfer and local exhaust ventilation, particularly for heated operations where vapour concentrations rise quickly.
Chlorinated aromatics can decompose in a fire to produce hydrogen chloride and other hazardous combustion products. Fire-fighters require full breathing apparatus.
Nitration of this product is strongly exothermic and requires its own process risk assessment, cooling capacity, and relief design.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, spill containment, environmental precautions, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is Meta Dichlorobenzene used for?
Mainly as a nitration feedstock on the route to 2,4-dichloroaniline, and as an intermediate for agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and dye chemistry. It also serves as a high-boiling process solvent.
Why is the meta isomer harder to obtain than ortho or para?
Chlorine is an ortho/para directing substituent, so chlorinating chlorobenzene gives mostly the 1,2 and 1,4 products with very little 1,3. The meta isomer is produced by isomerisation or from meta-directed starting materials, which is why it costs more.
How do the three dichlorobenzene isomers differ?
All are C6H4Cl2 with a weight of 147.00. Para-DCB is a solid used in deodorant blocks and moth control; ortho-DCB is a liquid solvent and intermediate; meta-DCB is the scarce liquid isomer used mainly for synthesis. They are not interchangeable.
What does MDCB become downstream?
Nitration gives 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene, and reduction of that gives 2,4-dichloroaniline, which goes into azo dyes, pigments, and agrochemical actives.
Is it soluble in water?
Practically insoluble, and it is denser than water so a spill will sink rather than float. It is miscible with alcohols, ethers, and aromatic hydrocarbons.
What purity do you supply?
Standard technical grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 99.5% with combined ortho and para isomer content at or below 0.5% and moisture at or below 0.05%. Tighter specifications can be produced to order.
Why does isomer content matter for a solvent-grade product?
Because most buyers are not using it as a solvent. In nitration service, ortho or para isomer in the feed produces different dichloronitrobenzenes that then have to be separated from the desired product, so isomer purity is a yield issue.
What packaging sizes are available?
250 kg drums, 1000 kg IBCs, and ISO tanks. Samples are available for trial work.
What materials of construction are suitable?
Carbon steel, stainless steel, and lined steel in normal service. Elastomer seals should be checked, since chlorinated aromatics swell many common rubbers.
Is MDCB hazardous?
Yes. It is harmful by ingestion and inhalation, irritating to skin and eyes, combustible above 63°C, and very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Containment and drain protection are the key site controls.
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, density, moisture, and appearance.