meta-Chloroaniline 3-Chloroaniline · CAS 108-42-9
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier of meta-Chloroaniline, the 3-substituted chloroaniline isomer used as an intermediate for dye, pigment and pharmaceutical synthesis where this specific chlorination pattern on the aniline ring is required. Every consignment leaves with a batch-specific COA and the current SDS.
Also known as: 3-Chloroaniline, m-Chloroaniline
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Price, lead time and a sample COA for meta-Chloroaniline, usually within one working day. We ship worldwide.
Request a Quote Email the DeskDocumentation
- Batch-specific COA (assay, colour, isomer purity)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- UN 2018/2019 dangerous-goods transport documents
- Third-party inspection on request
- Certificate of origin
What is meta-Chloroaniline?
meta-Chloroaniline, also known as 3-chloroaniline, is a benzene ring carrying a chlorine atom at the 3-position relative to a primary amine group, formula C₆H₆ClN. It is supplied as a pale yellow to brown liquid, with colour darkening over time as the material oxidises.
Its value as an intermediate comes from the chlorine's position relative to the amine, which gives distinct reactivity compared with the ortho- and para-chloroaniline isomers. It is used across dye, pigment and pharmaceutical synthesis wherever this meta-substitution pattern is the structural requirement.
Commercially it is produced by reducing meta-chloronitrobenzene, typically by catalytic hydrogenation or with iron/acid reduction systems at older-generation plants.
Handling follows standard precautions for a chlorinated aniline — chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, adequate ventilation, and storage away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidisers. Like most anilines, it darkens with prolonged exposure to air and light.
Why meta-Chloroaniline specifically
- A specific chlorine-amine relationship. The meta (3-) substitution pattern gives reactivity distinct from the ortho- and para-chloroaniline isomers.
- Dye and pigment intermediate. Used in selected dye-intermediate syntheses requiring this specific substitution pattern.
- Pharma building block. A starting material for pharmaceutical intermediate routes needing a meta-chloroaniline.
- Distinct from ortho- and para-isomers. The reactivity and physical properties differ enough from 2-chloroaniline and 4-chloroaniline that they are not interchangeable in most syntheses.
How meta-Chloroaniline is Manufactured
meta-Chloroaniline is produced by reducing meta-chloronitrobenzene, most commonly by catalytic hydrogenation at modern plants.
- Nitro reduction. meta-Chloronitrobenzene is reduced, typically by catalytic hydrogenation under controlled conditions.
- Workup. The crude aniline is separated from catalyst and by-products.
- Purification. The product is purified by distillation to the target assay specification.
- Quality release and packing. Assay, colour and isomer purity are confirmed against specification before the batch is packed and released, typically under nitrogen to limit oxidation.
Typical Commercial Specification
Figures below are representative of commercial-grade meta-chloroaniline. Tell us your downstream route and the grade you need, and we will advise on the specification to order against.
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Pale yellow to brown liquid |
| meta-Chloroaniline content | 99% min by GC assay |
| Isomer purity | ortho- and para-chloroaniline, trace levels to grade |
| Colour | To grade; freshness indicator ahead of use |
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | C₆H₆ClN |
| Molecular weight | 127.57 g/mol |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to brown liquid |
| Melting point | About -10 °C |
| Boiling point | About 230 °C |
| Density | About 1.21 g/mL |
| Flash point | About 110 °C |
| Incompatibilities | Strong oxidisers |
Behaviour in the process
meta-Chloroaniline's reactivity pattern is what dye and pharma intermediate producers are buying:
- Amine reactivity. The free amine is available for acylation, diazotisation or cyclisation chemistry.
- Oxidative sensitivity. Like many anilines, it darkens on prolonged exposure to air and light; store accordingly.
- Thermal stability. Stable under normal storage conditions away from strong oxidisers.
meta-Chloroaniline and Related Chloroanilines
Choosing between chloroaniline isomers comes down to the position of the chlorine relative to the amine that the target synthesis needs.
| Material | Substitution | When it is the right choice |
|---|---|---|
| meta-Chloroaniline | 3-Cl, 1-NH₂ | Routes needing the meta-chlorine pattern specifically |
| Para Chloro Aniline | 4-Cl, 1-NH₂ | Routes needing the para-chlorine pattern instead |
| 2,6-Dichloroaniline | 2,6-diCl, 1-NH₂ | Routes needing two chlorines symmetrically placed around the amine |
| ortho-Fluoroaniline | 2-F, 1-NH₂ | Routes needing a fluorine rather than a chlorine on the ring |
Stated plainly: a synthesis built around the meta-chlorine pattern needs this specific isomer — the ortho- and para-chloroaniline isomers have different reactivity and are not drop-in substitutes.
Industries We Supply meta-Chloroaniline To
The same chloroaniline isomer feeds a dye-intermediate manufacturer and a pharmaceutical intermediate producer. What changes is the downstream functionalisation chemistry and the documentation each requires.
Where meta-Chloroaniline is Used
In downstream functionalisation
meta-Chloroaniline's free amine is carried through acylation, diazotisation or cyclisation chemistry to build the target dye or pharma intermediate. The meta-chlorine position gives reactivity distinct from the ortho- and para-isomers, which is often exactly why a route is designed around this material specifically.
Need a specific purity grade?
Tell us the purity grade you need, your downstream chemistry, the packing format you can receive and the annual quantity. We will come back with a price, a lead time and a sample COA.
Quality Control & Testing
Every lot is released against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, with isomer purity reported alongside the main assay because ortho- and para-chloroaniline carryover affects downstream reaction selectivity.
- meta-Chloroaniline content — by GC assay, the primary grade measure.
- Isomer purity — ortho- and para-chloroaniline carryover, reported because it affects downstream chemistry.
- Colour — reported because oxidation darkens anilines over time.
Common Process Problems & Likely Causes
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Off-target reaction product | ortho- or para-chloroaniline isomer carryover | Isomer purity figure on the COA |
| Darkened material on receipt | Oxidation during storage or transit | Colour and age of the lot; storage conditions |
| Off-shade dye product | Isomer or colour-grade impurities | Colour specification and isomer breakdown on the COA |
Packaging, Storage & Shipping
- Standard packing. Drums or jerricans, typically 25 – 200 kg net, with larger bulk formats on contract supply.
- Oxidation protection. Store under nitrogen where possible and keep containers tightly sealed to limit darkening.
- Temperature control. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sun, heat and ignition sources.
- Material compatibility. Avoid contact with strong oxidisers.
- Transport classification. Commonly shipped under UN 2018 or UN 2019 (Chloroanilines, solid or liquid), Class 6.1 — confirm the correct entry and packing group against your own current SDS before shipping.
Hazards & Safe Handling
meta-Chloroaniline is toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled, and is harmful to aquatic life. Standard precautions for a chlorinated aniline and good laboratory and plant practice apply throughout handling.
- Skin and eye contact. Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles are standard practice for chlorinated anilines; rinse thoroughly with water on contact.
- Inhalation. Use adequate ventilation when handling, given the material's toxicity and volatility.
- PPE. Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles and, where vapour exposure is a concern, a suitable respirator.
- Environment. Harmful to aquatic life; avoid uncontrolled release to water and follow local effluent rules.
Regulatory & Compliance Notes
meta-Chloroaniline is a registered specialty chloroaniline. Because obligations differ by territory and use, the notes below are orientation rather than legal advice.
- GHS classification. Classified as toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled, and harmful to aquatic life (Signal word: Danger); 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. Commonly shipped under UN 2018 or UN 2019 (Chloroanilines), Class 6.1. Confirm the correct entry and packing group with your logistics/EHS team against your current SDS before shipping.
- HS code. Commonly declared under the aromatic amine derivatives heading; confirm the exact tariff line with your customs broker for your jurisdiction.
We Supply meta-Chloroaniline Worldwide
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship meta-Chloroaniline 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 meta-Chloroaniline 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 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 chloroanilines. Para Chloro Aniline, 2,6-dichloroaniline and other chloroaniline 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 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.
meta-Chloroaniline — Common Questions
The questions our technical desk is asked most often about meta-Chloroaniline. If yours isn't here, call or email and you will reach someone who knows the chemistry.
What is the CAS number of meta-Chloroaniline?
The CAS number for meta-Chloroaniline (3-Chloroaniline) is 108-42-9, and its EC number is 203-581-8. Its molecular formula is C₆H₆ClN with a molecular weight of 127.57 g/mol.
What is meta-Chloroaniline used for?
It is used as a building block in dye-intermediate and pharmaceutical synthesis requiring the meta-chlorine substitution pattern relative to the aniline nitrogen.
Do you supply meta-Chloroaniline worldwide?
Yes. Chelora Chemicals supplies and exports meta-Chloroaniline worldwide — across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, as well as throughout India. Every consignment carries the COA and SDS.
How does it differ from para-chloroaniline?
The chlorine's position relative to the amine is different — meta (3-) versus para (4-) — which changes the reactivity and which target molecules each isomer is suited for.
How is meta-Chloroaniline manufactured?
By reducing meta-chloronitrobenzene, typically by catalytic hydrogenation, then purifying the resulting aniline by distillation.
Is meta-Chloroaniline hazardous?
It is toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled, and is harmful to aquatic life. Refer to the current SDS for your grade for the complete hazard classification.
What is the UN number and transport classification?
Chloroanilines are commonly shipped under UN 2018 (solid) or UN 2019 (liquid), both Class 6.1. Confirm the correct entry and packing group against your own current SDS before relying on it for shipping documentation.
What are the melting point, boiling point and density?
Typical figures are a melting point around -10 °C, a boiling point around 230 °C, and a density around 1.21 g/mL. Confirm against your own supplier's COA for batch-specific figures.
How should meta-Chloroaniline be stored?
In sealed containers, ideally under nitrogen, cool, dry and away from direct sun, heat, ignition sources and strong oxidisers. Like most anilines it can darken on prolonged exposure to air and light.
What purity grades do you offer?
Standard commercial grade is 99% minimum by GC assay, with isomer purity (versus ortho- and para-chloroaniline) and colour reported on the COA.
What packing sizes and order quantities are available?
Drums or jerricans, typically 25–200 kg net, with larger bulk formats available on contract supply. Orders run from trial quantities up to repeat bulk loads.
Ready to source meta-Chloroaniline?
Send us your purity requirement and annual volume. You will get a price, a realistic lead time and a sample COA from someone who understands what the material has to do in your process — delivered anywhere in the world.