Meta Nitrotoluene
A nitroaromatic intermediate supplied by Chelora Chemicals — the minor isomer from toluene nitration, isolated for buyers whose dye and azo-pigment chemistry specifically calls for m-toluidine — exported from Indonesia with full batch documentation on every shipment.
What Meta Nitrotoluene is, and why buyers source it
A working overview of the compound's chemistry, why it is the minor product of toluene nitration, and the grades Chelora Chemicals keeps in regular supply.
Meta Nitrotoluene (3-nitrotoluene) is a benzene ring carrying a methyl group and a nitro group in the 1,3 (meta) relationship. Because the methyl group is an ortho/para director, nitrating toluene gives mainly the ortho and para isomers; the meta isomer forms only as a minor co-product, typically a smaller fraction of the overall nitration mixture, and is separated out in the purification train alongside the two major isomers.
With a melting point close to typical ambient temperature, it is supplied as a pale yellow liquid that can solidify in cooler storage conditions. It is only slightly soluble in water but miscible with most organic solvents, and like other nitroaromatics is handled as a toxic material under full MSDS guidance.
Where it fits in the synthesis chain
Reduction of the nitro group gives m-toluidine, an intermediate used in the manufacture of specific azo dyes that call for the meta-substituted aniline pattern rather than the ortho or para pattern. Because this isomer is a minor co-product of toluene nitration rather than a major product, available commercial volumes are smaller than for the ortho or para isomers, and buyers with isomer-specific process needs should confirm volume and lead time with our desk before committing a process to it.
Grades we supply
Chelora Chemicals offers Meta Nitrotoluene in technical grade (≈97% assay) for standard industrial synthesis, and high-purity grade (99%+) for applications sensitive to isomeric carryover. Both grades are supplied with a batch-wise certificate of analysis.
How Meta Nitrotoluene is made
An overview of the production route for orientation purposes. Our manufacturing partners' own process parameters and in-process controls are proprietary and are not disclosed beyond what is needed to interpret the certificate of analysis.
Meta Nitrotoluene is obtained as the minor isomer from the direct nitration of toluene with a mixed nitric/sulfuric acid system using conventional mixed-acid conditions. After the main ortho and para isomers are removed, the remaining meta-rich fraction is purified further by distillation to isolate this isomer to the required purity.
After separation, the product is washed free of residual acid and distilled to the required purity and colour before packing.
Why this isomer is harder to source than ortho or para
Because the methyl group's directing effect strongly favours the ortho and para positions, the meta isomer is intrinsically a smaller fraction of the overall nitration output; this is simply a consequence of toluene's substitution chemistry rather than a processing limitation, and it is reflected in the comparatively smaller commercial volumes and longer typical lead times for this isomer compared with ortho or para nitrotoluene.
Industries and processes that use it
Meta Nitrotoluene is consumed mainly as a specialty intermediate where the meta-substitution pattern is specifically required. The fields below cover the uses we see most often through our export desk.
m-Toluidine & Specialty Azo Dye Intermediate
Reduction to m-toluidine feeds synthesis of specific azo dyes that call for the meta-substituted aniline pattern.
Fine-Chemical & Specialty Synthesis
Supplied as a specialty building block for synthesis routes that need the meta-substitution pattern specifically.
Research & Reference Chemical
Used as a well-characterised nitrotoluene reference compound in research and comparative isomer studies.
Pharmaceutical Intermediate Research
m-Toluidine derived from this material is used in some pharmaceutical-intermediate research routes.
How the molecule is typically carried forward
The nitro group is the principal reduction handle, giving access to m-toluidine chemistry. Reaction classes below cover the main ways this material is converted downstream.
Reduction to m-Toluidine
Catalytic hydrogenation converts the nitro group to a primary amine, giving m-toluidine, the main downstream product made from this material.
Diazotization of m-Toluidine
Once reduced, m-toluidine diazotizes under standard cold, acidic conditions for azo-coupling chemistry in specialty dye manufacture.
Acylation of m-Toluidine
m-Toluidine can be acylated at the amine nitrogen to give amide derivatives used in further specialty synthesis.
Oxidation of the Methyl Group
Under suitable oxidising conditions, the methyl group can be oxidised to a carboxylic acid, giving 3-nitrobenzoic acid as an alternative downstream product.
Meta Nitrotoluene against other nitrotoluene isomers we supply
Buyers sourcing this isomer sometimes actually need the more readily available ortho or para nitrotoluene instead. A quick reference to what else is on our regular supply list.
| Product | CAS Number | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meta Nitrotoluene | 99-08-1 | Mono-methyl mono-nitro aromatic | The product on this page — the minor isomer from toluene nitration. |
| Ortho Nitrotoluene | 88-72-2 | Mono-methyl mono-nitro aromatic | A major isomer from the same nitration — see its product page. |
| Para Nitrotoluene | 99-99-0 | Mono-methyl mono-nitro aromatic | The other major isomer from the same nitration — see its product page. |
| Para Nitrotoluene Ortho Sulphonic Acid | 121-03-9 | Sulfonated nitrotoluene | The sulfonated downstream derivative of the para isomer — see its product page. |
Exact physical constants and purity specifications are confirmed per batch on the certificate of analysis — treat the notes above as a sourcing guide, not a specification sheet, for products other than Meta Nitrotoluene.
Safety classification at a glance
Based on GHS classification as commonly listed for this substance. This is a summary for orientation only — always work from the current safety data sheet supplied with your specific batch.
Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled; treat all three exposure routes as significant.
As with other nitroaromatics, overexposure is associated with methaemoglobinaemia; cyanosis, headache or dizziness after exposure needs prompt medical attention.
Treat as hazardous to the aquatic environment; avoid any release to drains or waterways.
Impervious gloves, splash-proof eye protection and suitable respiratory protection are the baseline for routine handling.
Melting point sits close to typical ambient temperature; a container may arrive as a solid, liquid, or mix of both.
Treat as persistent in the aquatic environment; avoid any release to drains or waterways.
Warning — confirm full classification against the SDS for the exact grade shipped.
This compound, like other nitrotoluene isomers, should be treated as harmful by ingestion, skin contact and inhalation, with methaemoglobinaemia a recognised acute effect of nitroaromatic overexposure; impervious gloves, full eye/face protection and suitable respiratory protection are the baseline for routine handling. Because its melting point sits close to typical ambient temperature, a container may arrive as a solid, a liquid, or a mix of both. Full first-aid, storage, spill and PPE guidance is in the MSDS issued with every shipment, and should be read in full before this material is handled.
Keeping it on spec between delivery and use
General storage guidance for this grade. Site-specific storage rules, segregation requirements and re-test intervals should follow your own EHS procedures and the MSDS issued with your batch.
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and ignition sources, in tightly closed original packaging, segregated from strong oxidizing and strong reducing materials. If a batch has partially solidified unevenly in cooler storage, warm gently and mix before sampling. If a batch is held past its retest date, re-check assay, colour and isomer content before use.
How it ships from Indonesia
Standard packing and export terms for this product. Confirm exact figures against your order — they vary slightly by destination and quantity.
What travels with every batch
Specification is agreed before the purchase order, not discovered on arrival. Every shipment of Meta Nitrotoluene leaves with a documented, checkable paper trail.
Certificate of Analysis
Batch-wise assay, isomer content and colour, issued against the agreed specification so your QC team can check it, not just file it.
Safety Data Sheet
GHS-format SDS in English covering hazard classification, handling, storage, first-aid and spill response for the exact grade shipped.
Technical Data Sheet
Reference physical and chemical properties, recommended storage and typical applications, for internal circulation to your process or R&D teams.
Certificate of Origin
Confirms Indonesian origin for customs clearance and any preferential-duty claim at your destination port.
Dangerous Goods Declaration
UN packing group, classification and shipper's declaration prepared ahead of loading so documentation never holds up customs.
Third-Party Inspection
Independent pre-shipment inspection and re-sampling can be arranged on request, at your cost, for buyers who require it as a matter of policy.
Frequently asked questions
What buyers most often ask our sales desk about this grade.
01What is Meta Nitrotoluene used for?+
02What is the CAS number of Meta Nitrotoluene?+
03How is Meta Nitrotoluene made?+
04What purity grades does Chelora Chemicals supply?+
05Is Meta Nitrotoluene hazardous?+
06How is this different from Ortho and Para Nitrotoluene?+
07What packing options are available?+
08How long does delivery take?+
09Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?+
10Do you supply other nitrotoluene isomers?+
Need Meta Nitrotoluene on spec, on time?
Send us your required purity, quantity, packing preference and destination port. Our desk quotes most enquiries within one working day.