Meta Chloro Aniline
A high-purity chlorinated aromatic amine supplied as a liquid for azo dye and pigment manufacture, agrochemical intermediates, and pharmaceutical synthesis.
What is Meta Chloro Aniline?
Meta Chloro Aniline — MCA, or 3-chloroaniline — is a colourless to amber liquid with chlorine in the meta position relative to the amino group. It darkens noticeably on exposure to air and light.
It is the least abundant of the three chloroaniline isomers, because the chemistry that makes the ortho and para compounds does not readily produce the meta arrangement. It is normally made by reducing meta-chloronitrobenzene, itself obtained by chlorinating nitrobenzene rather than nitrating chlorobenzene.
At Chelora Chemicals, MCA is distilled to a controlled isomer profile and low colour, with moisture held to specification, giving dye and pigment manufacturers reproducible diazotisation and coupling behaviour.
- Appearance
- Colourless to amber liquid
- Odour
- Characteristic amine odour
- Solubility
- Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol, ether, dilute acid
- Function
- Chemical intermediate
- Grade
- Technical / dye
Formula diagram
Aniline ring with chlorine in the meta position
- Molecular formulaC6H6ClN
- Molecular weight127.57 g/mol
- IUPAC name3-Chloroaniline
- Functional groupsPrimary aromatic amine, aryl chloride
- CAS number108-42-9
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical grade Meta Chloro Aniline. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | Meta Chloro Aniline |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | MCA, 3-Chloroaniline, m-Chloroaniline, 3-Aminochlorobenzene |
| CAS number | 108-42-9 |
| Molecular formula | C6H6ClN |
| Molecular weight | 127.57 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.5% |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless to amber liquid |
| Density (20°C) | 1.212–1.220 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | 229–231°C |
| Melting point | −10°C |
| Flash point | > 120°C (closed cup) |
| Isomer content | ≤ 0.3% |
| Water content | ≤ 0.2% |
| Packaging | 250 kg drums, 1000 kg IBC |
| Shelf life | 12 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of Meta Chloro Aniline
Azo dyes
Diazotised as a colour base for azo dyes across textile and leather applications.
Organic pigments
Used as a diazo component in yellow, orange, and red pigment manufacture.
Agrochemical intermediates
Converted into amide and urea derivatives used in crop-protection synthesis.
Pharmaceutical intermediates
Provides a meta-chlorinated aniline core for amide and heterocyclic building blocks.
Rubber chemicals
Applied in amine-based antioxidant and accelerator synthesis.
Specialty chemicals
Used in corrosion inhibitor and specialty amine derivative manufacture.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of Meta Chloro Aniline 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 isomer content, colour, and water verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 250 kg drums to IBC quantities, with samples on request.
Technical support
Process, handling, and compliance guidance from our chemistry team.
Storage and guidelines
- 01Store in tightly sealed original containers under a dry, inert atmosphere where possible.
- 02Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store away from direct sunlight and heat.
- 03Protect from air and light — chloroanilines darken quickly on oxidation.
- 04Segregate from strong oxidising agents, acids, and acid chlorides.
- 05Use compatible containers: lined steel, stainless steel, or HDPE.
- 06Prevent any release to drains, surface water, or soil — the product is very toxic to aquatic life.
Handling precautions
MCA is toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. It is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
Chloroanilines are readily absorbed through intact skin and cause methaemoglobin formation, reducing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. Chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, and eye protection are required.
Use closed transfer and local exhaust ventilation for decanting, charging, and heated operations.
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, medical surveillance, spill response, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is Meta Chloro Aniline used for?
It is an intermediate for azo dyes and pigments, agrochemical actives, pharmaceutical building blocks, and rubber chemicals. It is not used as a finished product.
Why is the meta isomer less common than ortho or para?
Because of directing effects. Chlorinating aniline or nitrating chlorobenzene gives mostly ortho and para products. The meta compound is made by a different route, chlorinating nitrobenzene and then reducing, which is why it is produced in smaller volume.
How does MCA differ from PCA?
Both are C6H6ClN with a weight of 127.57. MCA is a liquid at room temperature and PCA is a solid melting near 71°C. They also couple to give different shades, so they are not interchangeable in dye work.
Why does the liquid darken so quickly?
Chloroanilines oxidise readily in air and light. Assay is generally unaffected, but colour matters for shade-critical applications, so sealed, cool, dark, nitrogen-blanketed storage is worthwhile.
Is it soluble in water?
Only slightly in neutral water. It dissolves readily in alcohols, ether, and dilute mineral acid, and acid dissolution is the usual first step before diazotisation.
What purity do you supply?
Standard technical grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 99.5% with isomer content at or below 0.3% and water at or below 0.2%. Tighter specifications can be produced to order.
What packaging sizes are available?
250 kg drums and 1000 kg IBCs, with samples available for shade and coupling trials.
How long can it be stored?
12 months from manufacture in sealed original packaging under the recommended conditions. Colour will develop over time even when assay holds.
Is MCA hazardous?
Yes. It is acutely toxic by several routes, readily absorbed through skin, and very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Full engineering controls and PPE are required per the Safety Data Sheet.
Why is skin absorption emphasised?
Chloroanilines pass through intact skin efficiently, so a splash that is not washed off immediately can produce a systemic dose with no inhalation exposure at all. Glove breakthrough time and prompt decontamination matter a great deal here.
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, colour, water content, and appearance.