meta-Toluidine 3-Methylaniline · CAS 108-44-1
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier of meta-Toluidine, the 3-substituted methylaniline isomer used as a building block for azo dyes, rubber chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates wherever this specific methyl-amine pattern is required. Every consignment leaves with a batch-specific COA and the current SDS.
Also known as: 3-Methylaniline, 3-Aminotoluene, m-Toluidine
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Price, lead time and a sample COA for meta-Toluidine, 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 1708 dangerous-goods transport documents
- Third-party inspection on request
- Certificate of origin
What is meta-Toluidine?
meta-Toluidine, also known as 3-methylaniline, is a benzene ring carrying a methyl group at the 3-position relative to a primary amine group, formula C₇H₉N. It is supplied as a colourless to pale yellow or brown liquid, with colour darkening over time as the material oxidises.
Its value as an intermediate comes from the methyl group's position relative to the amine, which gives distinct reactivity compared with the ortho- and para-toluidine isomers. It is used across azo-dye, rubber-chemical and pharmaceutical synthesis wherever this meta-substitution pattern is the structural requirement.
Commercially it is produced by reducing meta-nitrotoluene, typically by catalytic hydrogenation or with iron/acid reduction systems at older-generation plants.
Handling follows standard precautions for a methylaniline — 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, and it is a combustible liquid.
Why meta-Toluidine specifically
- A specific methyl-amine relationship. The meta (3-) substitution pattern gives reactivity distinct from the ortho- and para-toluidine isomers.
- Azo-dye intermediate. Used in diazotisation chemistry for azo-dye synthesis requiring this specific substitution pattern.
- Rubber-chemical and pharma building block. A starting material for rubber-chemical and pharmaceutical intermediate routes needing a meta-methylaniline.
- Distinct from ortho- and para-isomers. The reactivity and physical properties differ enough from ortho-toluidine and para-toluidine that they are not interchangeable in most syntheses.
How meta-Toluidine is Manufactured
meta-Toluidine is produced by reducing meta-nitrotoluene, most commonly by catalytic hydrogenation at modern plants.
- Nitro reduction. meta-Nitrotoluene is reduced, typically by catalytic hydrogenation under controlled conditions.
- Workup. The crude toluidine 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-toluidine. 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 to pale yellow or brown liquid |
| meta-Toluidine content | 99% min by GC assay |
| Isomer purity | ortho- and para-toluidine, trace levels to grade |
| Colour | To grade; freshness indicator ahead of use |
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | C₇H₉N |
| Molecular weight | 107.16 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colourless to pale yellow or brown liquid |
| Melting point | About -30 °C |
| Boiling point | About 203 °C |
| Density | About 0.99 g/mL |
| Flash point | About 86 °C (combustible liquid) |
| Incompatibilities | Strong oxidisers, strong acids |
Behaviour in the process
meta-Toluidine's reactivity pattern is what dye, rubber-chemical and pharma intermediate producers are buying:
- Amine reactivity. The free amine is available for diazotisation, acylation or cyclisation chemistry.
- Oxidative sensitivity. Like many anilines, it darkens on prolonged exposure to air and light; store accordingly.
- Combustibility. A combustible liquid above its flash point; keep away from open flames and ignition sources.
meta-Toluidine and Related Methylanilines
Choosing between toluidine isomers comes down to the position of the methyl group relative to the amine that the target synthesis needs.
| Material | Substitution | When it is the right choice |
|---|---|---|
| meta-Toluidine | 3-CH₃, 1-NH₂ | Routes needing the meta-methylamine pattern specifically |
| ortho-Toluidine | 2-CH₃, 1-NH₂ | Routes needing the ortho pattern instead, e.g. from ortho-nitrotoluene |
| para-Toluidine | 4-CH₃, 1-NH₂ | Routes needing the para pattern instead |
| meta-Chloroaniline | 3-Cl, 1-NH₂ | Routes needing a chlorine rather than a methyl group on the ring |
Stated plainly: a synthesis built around the meta-methylamine pattern needs this specific isomer — the ortho- and para-toluidine isomers have different reactivity and are not drop-in substitutes.
Industries We Supply meta-Toluidine To
The same methylaniline isomer feeds a dye-intermediate manufacturer, a rubber-chemical producer and a pharmaceutical intermediate producer. What changes is the downstream functionalisation chemistry and the documentation each requires.
Where meta-Toluidine is Used
In downstream functionalisation
meta-Toluidine's free amine is carried through diazotisation, acylation or cyclisation chemistry to build the target dye, rubber-chemical or pharma intermediate. The meta-methyl 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-toluidine carryover affects downstream reaction selectivity, particularly in diazotisation chemistry.
- meta-Toluidine content — by GC assay, the primary grade measure.
- Isomer purity — ortho- and para-toluidine 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 diazotisation product | ortho- or para-toluidine 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; it is a combustible liquid.
- Material compatibility. Avoid contact with strong oxidisers and strong acids.
- Transport classification. Commonly shipped under UN 1708 (Toluidines, liquid or solid), Class 6.1, Packing Group II — confirm the correct entry against your own current SDS before shipping.
Hazards & Safe Handling
meta-Toluidine is toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled, may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure, and is a combustible liquid. Standard precautions for a methylaniline and good laboratory and plant practice apply throughout handling.
- Skin and eye contact. Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles are standard practice for methylanilines; 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.
- Fire. Combustible liquid above its flash point; keep away from open flames and ignition sources, and bund storage areas appropriately.
- Environment. Avoid uncontrolled release to water and follow local effluent rules.
Regulatory & Compliance Notes
meta-Toluidine is a registered specialty methylaniline. Because obligations differ by territory and use, the notes below are orientation rather than legal advice.
- GHS classification. Commonly classified as toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled, with a specific target-organ toxicity (repeated exposure) note and as a combustible liquid (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 1708 (Toluidines), Class 6.1, Packing Group II. 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-Toluidine Worldwide
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship meta-Toluidine 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-Toluidine 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 toluidines and nitrotoluenes. meta-Nitrotoluene, ortho-Nitrotoluene and other 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-Toluidine — Common Questions
The questions our technical desk is asked most often about meta-Toluidine. If yours isn't here, call or email and you will reach someone who knows the chemistry.
What is the CAS number of meta-Toluidine?
The CAS number for meta-Toluidine (3-Methylaniline) is 108-44-1, and its EC number is 203-583-1. Its molecular formula is C₇H₉N with a molecular weight of 107.16 g/mol.
What is meta-Toluidine used for?
It is used as a building block in azo-dye, rubber-chemical and pharmaceutical synthesis requiring the meta-methyl substitution pattern relative to the aniline nitrogen.
Do you supply meta-Toluidine worldwide?
Yes. Chelora Chemicals supplies and exports meta-Toluidine 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-toluidine?
The methyl group's position relative to the amine is different — meta (3-) versus ortho (2-) or para (4-) — which changes the reactivity and which target molecules each isomer is suited for.
How is meta-Toluidine manufactured?
By reducing meta-nitrotoluene, typically by catalytic hydrogenation, then purifying the resulting toluidine by distillation.
Is meta-Toluidine hazardous?
It is toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled, may cause organ damage on prolonged or repeated exposure, and is a combustible liquid. Refer to the current SDS for your grade for the complete hazard classification.
What is the UN number and transport classification?
Toluidines are commonly shipped under UN 1708 (Toluidines, liquid or solid), Class 6.1, Packing Group II. Confirm the correct entry 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 -30 °C, a boiling point around 203 °C, and a density around 0.99 g/mL. Confirm against your own supplier's COA for batch-specific figures.
How should meta-Toluidine 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, and it is a combustible liquid.
What purity grades do you offer?
Standard commercial grade is 99% minimum by GC assay, with isomer purity (versus ortho- and para-toluidine) 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-Toluidine?
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.