meta-Dichlorobenzene 1,3-Dichlorobenzene · CAS 541-73-1
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier of meta-Dichlorobenzene (1,3-Dichlorobenzene), the chlorinated benzene isomer used as an intermediate for agrochemical, dye and specialty chemical synthesis where the 1,3-substitution pattern is specifically required. Every consignment leaves with a batch-specific COA and the current SDS.
Also known as: m-DCB · 1,3-Dichlorobenzene
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Price, lead time and a sample COA for meta-Dichlorobenzene, usually within one working day. We ship worldwide.
Request a Quote Email the DeskDocumentation
- Batch-specific COA (assay, isomer purity)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Dangerous-goods transport documents, confirmed to your SDS
- Third-party inspection on request
- Certificate of origin
What is meta-Dichlorobenzene?
meta-Dichlorobenzene (1,3-Dichlorobenzene) is a benzene ring carrying two chlorine atoms in the 1,3-position, formula C₆H₄Cl₂. At room temperature it is a colourless liquid, one of three dichlorobenzene isomers alongside the more widely used ortho- and para- forms.
Its value as an intermediate comes specifically from the 1,3-substitution pattern, which some agrochemical, dye and specialty chemical syntheses require and which the ortho- or para-isomers cannot substitute for.
Commercially it is produced as a co-product of benzene chlorination, separated from the ortho- and para-isomers by distillation given their differing boiling points.
Handling follows standard precautions for a chlorinated aromatic liquid — chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, adequate ventilation, and storage away from heat and ignition sources given its combustible nature.
Why meta-Dichlorobenzene specifically
- A specific substitution pattern. The 1,3-dichloro arrangement is the building block some syntheses are designed around; the ortho- and para-isomers have different reactivity and are not interchangeable.
- Agrochemical and dye intermediate. Used in selected crop-protection and dye-intermediate syntheses requiring this pattern.
- Precursor chemistry. A starting point for further halogenated or nitro-substituted intermediates built on the 1,3-pattern, including feeding into products such as 2,6-dichlorofluorobenzene and related compounds.
- Specialty solvent and chemical uses. Used in selected specialty chemical and solvent applications distinct from the larger-volume para-isomer.
How meta-Dichlorobenzene is Manufactured
meta-Dichlorobenzene is produced as one of three co-products from the chlorination of benzene, so supply tracks installed benzene-chlorination capacity rather than a dedicated feedstock stream.
- Chlorination of benzene. Catalytic chlorination of benzene gives a mixture of mono- and di-chlorinated products, including ortho-, meta- and para-dichlorobenzene.
- Isomer separation. The dichlorobenzene isomers are separated from each other and from mono-chlorobenzene by fractional distillation, exploiting their differing boiling points.
- Purification. The meta- fraction is further purified to the target purity level.
- Quality release and packing. Assay and isomer purity are confirmed against specification before the batch is packed and released.
Typical Commercial Specification
Figures below are representative of commercial-grade meta-dichlorobenzene. Tell us your downstream route and the grade you need, and we will advise on the specification to order against.
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless liquid |
| meta-Dichlorobenzene content | 98% min by GC assay |
| Isomer purity | Ortho- and para-dichlorobenzene, trace levels to grade |
| Moisture content | To grade, typically 0.1% max |
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | C₆H₄Cl₂ |
| Molecular weight | 147.00 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colourless liquid |
| Melting point | About -22 to -25 °C |
| Boiling point | About 172 – 173 °C |
| Density | About 1.288 g/cm³ |
| Flash point | About 65 °C |
| Water solubility | Insoluble |
| Incompatibilities | Strong oxidisers |
Behaviour in the process
meta-Dichlorobenzene's reactivity pattern is what agro, dye and specialty chemical producers are buying:
- Nucleophilic aromatic substitution. A platform for further halogenation, nitration or fluorination chemistry building on the 1,3-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 solvent, immiscible with water.
meta-Dichlorobenzene and Related Dichlorobenzenes
Choosing between the three dichlorobenzene isomers comes down to which substitution pattern the target synthesis needs.
| Material | Substitution | When it is the right choice |
|---|---|---|
| meta-Dichlorobenzene | 1,3-diCl | Routes needing the 1,3-pattern specifically |
| 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene | 1,2,4-triCl | Routes needing a trichlorinated pattern as a dye-carrier or heat-transfer fluid |
| 2,6-Dichlorofluorobenzene | 2,6-diCl, 1-F | Routes needing a fluorine added to the dichloro pattern |
| 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene | 1,2,3-triCl | Routes needing the adjacent trichloro pattern |
Stated plainly: a synthesis built around the 1,3-dichloro pattern needs this specific isomer — ortho- (1,2-) and para- (1,4-) dichlorobenzene have different reactivity and are not drop-in substitutes.
Industries We Supply meta-Dichlorobenzene To
The same dichlorobenzene isomer feeds an agrochemical producer, a dye-intermediate manufacturer and a specialty chemical plant. What changes is the downstream functionalisation chemistry and the documentation each requires.
Where meta-Dichlorobenzene is Used
In downstream functionalisation
meta-Dichlorobenzene is carried through nitration, further halogenation, or fluorination chemistry to build the target agrochemical, dye or specialty intermediate. The 1,3-substitution pattern simplifies the regiochemistry of some downstream reactions compared with the ortho- or para-isomers, which is often exactly why a route is designed around this material.
Need a specific purity or isomer grade?
Tell us the purity and isomer-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-dichlorobenzene carryover affects downstream reaction selectivity.
- meta-Dichlorobenzene content — by GC assay, the primary grade measure.
- Isomer purity — ortho- and para-dichlorobenzene carryover, reported because it affects downstream chemistry.
- Moisture content — measured because moisture can affect downstream reaction yield.
Common Process Problems & Likely Causes
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Off-target reaction product | Ortho- or para-isomer carryover | Isomer purity figure on the COA |
| Poor reaction yield | Moisture or trace impurities | Moisture content and assay on the COA |
| Unexpected side reactions | Trace unreacted benzene or monochlorobenzene carryover | Full impurity profile on the COA |
Packaging, Storage & Shipping
- Standard packing. Drums or ISO tanks sized to the order quantity, with bulk tanker options 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.
- Material compatibility. Avoid contact with strong oxidisers.
- Transport classification. Confirm the UN number and transport class against your own current SDS before shipping — published safety-data-sheet sources for this specific isomer did not report confirmed GHS or UN figures at drafting time.
Hazards & Safe Handling
Reliable, compound-specific GHS hazard data for meta-dichlorobenzene was not confirmed in public sources at the time this page was drafted. Treat it with the standard precautions used for chlorinated aromatic liquids as a baseline, and confirm the full, current hazard classification against your supplier's SDS before 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; avoid breathing vapour.
- Fire. Keep away from heat, sparks and open flame given its flash point; store accordingly.
- PPE. Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles and, where ventilation is limited, a suitable respirator.
- Full hazard statement list. Use the current SDS for your grade for the complete, confirmed hazard classification before handling.
Regulatory & Compliance Notes
meta-Dichlorobenzene is a registered specialty chlorinated aromatic. Because obligations differ by territory and use, and because confirmed GHS and transport data for this specific isomer were not found in public sources at drafting time, the notes below are orientation rather than legal advice.
- GHS classification. Confirm the full, current hazard classification against your supplier's SDS before publishing or relying on specific hazard statements.
- Chemical inventories. Listed on major chemical inventories; confirm REACH registration status for your specific supply chain.
- Dangerous goods transport. Confirm the UN number, transport class and packing group with your logistics/EHS team against your current SDS before shipping.
- HS code. Commonly declared under the chlorinated-benzene derivatives heading; confirm the exact tariff line with your customs broker for your jurisdiction.
We Supply meta-Dichlorobenzene Worldwide
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship meta-Dichlorobenzene 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-Dichlorobenzene 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 hazard/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- and agro-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 Dichlorobenzene & Trichlorobenzene Intermediates
meta-Dichlorobenzene — Common Questions
The questions our technical desk is asked most often about meta-Dichlorobenzene. If yours isn't here, call or email and you will reach someone who knows the chemistry.
What is the CAS number of meta-Dichlorobenzene?
The CAS number for meta-Dichlorobenzene (1,3-Dichlorobenzene) is 541-73-1. Its molecular formula is C₆H₄Cl₂ with a molecular weight of 147.00 g/mol.
What is meta-Dichlorobenzene used for?
It is used as a building block in agrochemical, dye and specialty chemical synthesis where the 1,3-substitution pattern is specifically required, and as a precursor for further halogenated intermediates.
Do you supply meta-Dichlorobenzene worldwide?
Yes. Chelora Chemicals supplies and exports meta-Dichlorobenzene 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 ortho- and para-dichlorobenzene?
The chlorine substitution pattern differs — 1,3- versus 1,2- (ortho) or 1,4- (para) — which changes which target molecules each isomer is suited for and is not interchangeable in synthesis routes designed around a specific pattern.
How is meta-Dichlorobenzene manufactured?
As a co-product of benzene chlorination, separated from the ortho- and para-isomers and from monochlorobenzene by fractional distillation, then purified to the target grade.
Is meta-Dichlorobenzene hazardous?
It is combustible given its flash point. Reliable, compound-specific GHS hazard data was not confirmed in public sources at drafting time — refer to the current SDS for your grade for the complete hazard classification.
What is the UN number and transport classification?
We did not find a reliably confirmed, compound-specific UN number in public sources for this exact isomer. We confirm transport classification against your own current SDS before shipping rather than publish an unverified figure.
What are the melting point, boiling point and density?
Typical figures are a melting point around -22 to -25 °C, a boiling point around 172–173 °C, and a density around 1.288 g/cm³. Confirm against your own supplier's COA for batch-specific figures.
How should meta-Dichlorobenzene be stored?
In sealed containers, cool, dry and away from direct sun, heat and ignition sources, given its combustible flash point.
What purity grades do you offer?
Standard commercial grade is 98% minimum by GC assay, with isomer purity (versus ortho- and para-dichlorobenzene) and moisture content reported on the COA.
What packing sizes and order quantities are available?
Drums or ISO tanks sized to the order quantity, with bulk tanker options available on contract supply. Orders run from trial quantities up to repeat bulk loads.
Ready to source meta-Dichlorobenzene?
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.
