Nitro Benzene
A high-purity nitroaromatic liquid supplied in bulk as the primary feedstock for aniline manufacture, and as an intermediate for dyes, rubber chemicals, and agrochemicals.
What is Nitro Benzene?
Nitro Benzene is the simplest nitroaromatic compound: a pale yellow oily liquid produced by the nitration of benzene with a mixed acid system, then washed and distilled to remove residual acid and dinitro by-products.
The nitro group deactivates the ring toward further electrophilic attack while making it straightforward to reduce. That single reaction — reduction to aniline — accounts for the overwhelming majority of world nitrobenzene consumption, with the balance going to specialty synthesis.
At Chelora Chemicals, nitrobenzene is distilled to a tightly controlled assay with dinitrobenzene, moisture, and acidity held to specification, so that catalytic hydrogenation and downstream condensation steps run cleanly and without catalyst poisoning.
- Appearance
- Pale yellow oily liquid
- Odour
- Characteristic bitter almond
- Solubility
- Slightly soluble in water; miscible with organic solvents
- Function
- Chemical intermediate / feedstock
- Grade
- Technical / bulk
Formula diagram
A single nitro group attached to a benzene ring
- Molecular formulaC6H5NO2
- Molecular weight123.11 g/mol
- IUPAC nameNitrobenzene
- Functional groupsNitro, aromatic
- CAS number98-95-3
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical grade Nitro Benzene. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | Nitro Benzene |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | NB, Nitrobenzol, Oil of mirbane |
| CAS number | 98-95-3 |
| Molecular formula | C6H5NO2 |
| Molecular weight | 123.11 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.8% |
| Appearance | Clear, pale yellow oily liquid |
| Density (20°C) | 1.199–1.205 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | 210–211°C |
| Freezing point | 5.7°C |
| Flash point | 88°C (closed cup) |
| Dinitrobenzene | ≤ 0.05% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.1% |
| Packaging | 250 kg drums, 1000 kg IBC, ISO tank, bulk tanker |
| Shelf life | 24 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of Nitro Benzene
Aniline manufacture
The dominant use worldwide: catalytic hydrogenation of nitrobenzene to aniline, the feedstock for MDI, rubber chemicals, and dyes.
Dye intermediates
Feeds azo and sulfur dye chemistry through aniline and substituted nitroaromatic derivatives.
Rubber chemicals
Supports the production of antioxidants and accelerators used in tyre and technical rubber compounds.
Agrochemicals
Serves as a starting material in herbicide and fungicide synthesis routes built on aniline chemistry.
Pharmaceutical synthesis
Used in the manufacture of paracetamol precursors and other aniline-derived building blocks.
Specialty solvents
Applied as a high-boiling solvent for cellulose ethers and in selected Friedel-Crafts and oxidation systems.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of Nitro Benzene 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 ≥99.8% with dinitrobenzene, acidity, and moisture verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 250 kg drums to IBC, ISO tank, and bulk road tanker supply.
Technical support
Process, handling, and compliance guidance from our chemistry team.
Storage and guidelines
- 01Store in tightly sealed original containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store.
- 02Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame; the product is combustible above its flash point.
- 03Protect from freezing — the material solidifies near 5.7°C and requires gentle warming to re-liquefy.
- 04Segregate from strong oxidising agents, strong bases, and reducing agents including metal powders.
- 05Use compatible materials: carbon steel, stainless steel, or lined vessels; keep tanks under nitrogen where practical.
- 06Bund all bulk storage and prevent any release to drains, surface water, or soil.
Handling precautions
Nitrobenzene is toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption, is classified as a suspected carcinogen, and is suspected of damaging fertility and the unborn child. It is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
Absorbed material forms methaemoglobin, reducing the blood's ability to carry oxygen. The characteristic almond odour is not a reliable warning of hazardous concentrations.
Skin absorption is a major exposure route. Chemical-resistant gloves and suits, eye protection, and respiratory protection are required, and contaminated clothing must be removed immediately.
Use closed transfer and local exhaust ventilation for drum decanting, charging, and any heated operation. Alcohol consumption significantly increases susceptibility to poisoning.
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 nitrobenzene mainly used for?
The great majority is hydrogenated to aniline, which then goes into MDI for polyurethanes, rubber chemicals, and dyes. Smaller volumes are used directly in specialty synthesis and as a high-boiling solvent.
How is nitrobenzene manufactured?
By nitrating benzene with a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acid, then separating, washing, and distilling the crude product. Careful acid removal matters because residual acidity accelerates degradation in storage.
Why does nitrobenzene smell of almonds?
The odour is an intrinsic property of the molecule and is often described as bitter almond or shoe polish. It is not a safety feature — the smell can be detected below and above hazardous concentrations, so it should never be used to judge exposure.
Is nitrobenzene soluble in water?
Only slightly, around 0.2 g per 100 mL at room temperature. It is miscible with alcohols, ether, benzene, and most organic solvents, and is denser than water, so spills sink rather than float.
Why does the product solidify in winter?
Its freezing point is 5.7°C, so drums and lines can set in cold storage or transport. Re-liquefy with gentle, controlled warming — never with direct flame or localised high-temperature heating.
What purity do you supply?
Standard technical grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 99.8% with dinitrobenzene at or below 0.05% and moisture at or below 0.1%. Tighter specifications can be produced to a customer specification sheet.
What packaging is available?
250 kg drums, 1000 kg IBCs, ISO tanks, and bulk road tankers for large-volume aniline producers. Samples are available for trial work.
What materials of construction are suitable?
Carbon steel, stainless steel, and lined vessels are used in normal service. Confirm gasket and seal compatibility before commissioning transfer lines, and avoid contact with strong bases and metal powders.
Is nitrobenzene hazardous?
Yes. It is acutely toxic by several routes, readily absorbed through the skin, a suspected carcinogen, and suspected of reproductive toxicity. Handling requires closed systems, trained personnel, full PPE, and health surveillance under the Safety Data Sheet.
Why is alcohol consumption relevant to nitrobenzene exposure?
Alcohol increases susceptibility to nitrobenzene poisoning and can worsen the effects of an exposure. Many sites include this in the pre-work briefing for anyone handling the product.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Every batch is dispatched with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering assay, dinitrobenzene content, density, moisture, and appearance.