1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene 1,2,3-TCB · CAS 87-61-6

What is 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene?

1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene is a benzene ring carrying three chlorine atoms in an adjacent, consecutive arrangement, formula C₆H₃Cl₃. At room temperature it is a white crystalline solid, melting around 53.5 °C, one of three trichlorobenzene isomers alongside the more widely used 1,2,4- and the 1,3,5-forms.

Its value as an intermediate comes specifically from the adjacent 1,2,3-substitution pattern, which certain specialty and dye-intermediate syntheses are designed around and which the 1,2,4-isomer (more common as a dye-bath carrier and heat-transfer fluid) does not directly substitute for.

Commercially it is produced as a co-product of benzene chlorination chemistry, separated from the other trichlorobenzene isomers and lower-chlorinated benzenes by distillation or crystallisation given their differing physical properties.

Handling follows standard precautions for a chlorinated aromatic solid — chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, adequate ventilation and dust control, and storage away from incompatible materials.

Why 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene specifically

• A specific adjacent substitution pattern. The 1,2,3-trichloro arrangement is the building block some specialty syntheses are designed around; the 1,2,4- and 1,3,5-isomers have different reactivity and are not interchangeable.
• Specialty and dye intermediate. Used in selected dye-intermediate and specialty chemical syntheses requiring this pattern.
• Research and screening compound. A building block for medicinal chemistry and materials research requiring this specific halogen arrangement.
• Distinct from the 1,2,4-isomer. While structurally related to 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (used as a dye-bath carrier and heat-transfer fluid), the adjacent 1,2,3-pattern gives distinct reactivity that some routes specifically require.

How 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene is Manufactured

1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene is produced as one of several co-products from the chlorination of benzene or dichlorobenzene, so supply tracks installed chlorination capacity rather than a dedicated feedstock stream.

• Chlorination. Controlled chlorination of benzene or a dichlorobenzene precursor gives a mixture of trichlorinated products, including the 1,2,3-, 1,2,4- and 1,3,5-isomers.
• Isomer separation. The trichlorobenzene isomers are separated from each other and from lower-chlorinated benzenes by fractional distillation or crystallisation.
• Purification. The 1,2,3- fraction is further purified to the target 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 1,2,3-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

1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene's reactivity pattern is what specialty and dye-intermediate producers are buying:

• Nucleophilic aromatic substitution. A platform for further halogenation, nitration or other functionalisation chemistry building on the adjacent trichloro pattern.
• Thermal stability. Stable under normal storage conditions; classified as combustible given its flash point, so should be kept from ignition sources.
• Low water solubility. Behaves as a typical chlorinated-aromatic solid, insoluble in water.

1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene and Related Trichlorobenzenes

Choosing between the trichlorobenzene isomers comes down to which substitution pattern the target synthesis needs.

Stated plainly: a synthesis built around the adjacent 1,2,3-trichloro pattern needs this specific isomer — the 1,2,4- and 1,3,5-isomers have different reactivity and are not drop-in substitutes.

Industries We Supply 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene To

The same trichlorobenzene isomer feeds a dye-intermediate manufacturer and a specialty chemical plant. What changes is the downstream functionalisation chemistry and the documentation each requires.

Where 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene is Used

In downstream functionalisation

1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene is carried through further substitution or coupling chemistry to build the target dye or specialty intermediate. The adjacent substitution pattern gives distinct reactivity compared with the more common 1,2,4-isomer, which is often exactly why a route is designed around this material specifically.

Quality Control & Testing

Every lot is released against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, with isomer purity reported alongside the main assay because 1,2,4- and 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene carryover affects downstream reaction selectivity.

• 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene content — by GC assay, the primary grade measure.
• Melting point — a fast purity and identity check.
• Isomer purity — 1,2,4- and 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene carryover, reported because it affects downstream chemistry.
• Moisture content — measured because moisture can affect downstream reaction yield.

Common Process Problems & Likely Causes

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 given its flash point.
• Material compatibility. Avoid contact with strong oxidisers.
• Transport classification. Confirm the UN number and transport class against your own current SDS before shipping — published sources for this specific isomer did not report a confirmed UN number at drafting time. Given this is a solid with GHS07/GHS09 classification, a Class 9 environmentally-hazardous-solid entry analogous to the one used for the 1,2,4-isomer (UN 3077) is a reasonable pattern to check against with your supplier, but should not be assumed without confirmation.

Hazards & Safe Handling

1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene is harmful if swallowed and toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Standard precautions for a chlorinated aromatic solid and good laboratory and plant practice apply throughout handling.

• Skin and eye contact. Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles are standard practice for chlorinated aromatics; rinse thoroughly with water on contact.
• 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 long-lasting effects; avoid uncontrolled release to water and follow local effluent rules.

Regulatory & Compliance Notes

1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene is a registered specialty chlorinated aromatic. Because obligations differ by territory and use, and because confirmed UN transport data for this specific isomer was not found in public sources at drafting time, the notes below are orientation rather than legal advice.

• GHS classification. Classified as harmful if swallowed and toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (GHS07/GHS09, Signal word: Warning); 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. Confirm the UN number, transport class and packing group with your logistics/EHS team against your current SDS before shipping. A Class 9 environmentally-hazardous-solid classification analogous to the 1,2,4-isomer's UN 3077 is a pattern worth checking, but should be confirmed rather than assumed.
• HS code. Commonly declared under the chlorinated-benzene derivatives heading; confirm the exact tariff line with your customs broker for your jurisdiction.

We Supply 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene Worldwide

Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship 1,2,3-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.

Buying 1,2,3-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 — and confirming transport classification with you before the first shipment.

• 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 chlorinated benzenes. Other dichloro- and trichlorobenzene 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 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.

Related Trichlorobenzene & Dichlorobenzene Intermediates