4,4'-Methylenedianiline
The methylene-bridged aromatic diamine supplied by Chelora Chemicals — the principal precursor to MDI for polyurethane foams and a widely used epoxy-resin curing agent — exported from Indonesia as flake with full batch documentation on every shipment.
What 4,4'-Methylenedianiline is, and why buyers source it
A working overview of the compound's chemistry, its foundational role in MDI and epoxy chemistry, and the grade Chelora Chemicals keeps in regular supply.
4,4'-Methylenedianiline is an aromatic diamine: two aniline rings joined by a single methylene (–CH₂–) bridge, with a primary amine at the para position of each ring. The two primary amines are each independently nucleophilic, which is what makes the molecule such a versatile difunctional building block for both polymer-forming and polymer-curing chemistry.
At room temperature it is a white to light tan crystalline flake that darkens to amber or brown on prolonged exposure to light and air. It is poorly soluble in cold water but dissolves readily in hot water, alcohols and most polar organic solvents, and melts to a low-viscosity amber liquid well above its melting point.
Where it fits in the synthesis chain
4,4'-Methylenedianiline's single largest end use, by a wide margin, is as the precursor to methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI): phosgenation of the diamine converts both amine groups to isocyanate groups, and MDI is in turn the backbone building block of rigid and flexible polyurethane foams, coatings, adhesives and elastomers worldwide. Independently of the MDI route, the diamine is also used directly as a curing (hardening) agent for epoxy resin systems, and as an intermediate for high-temperature polyimide and polyamide resins and wire/cable insulation compounds.
Grade we supply
Chelora Chemicals offers 4,4'-Methylenedianiline in technical grade (99%+ assay) flake, suited to MDI manufacture, epoxy-curing-agent formulation and polyimide intermediate chemistry. The grade is supplied with a batch-wise certificate of analysis.
How 4,4'-Methylenedianiline 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.
4,4'-Methylenedianiline is manufactured by the acid-catalysed condensation of aniline with formaldehyde, in a molar ratio of roughly two moles of aniline per mole of formaldehyde, under hydrochloric acid catalysis: 2 C₆H₅NH₂ + HCHO → CH₂(C₆H₄NH₂)₂ + H₂O. The reaction proceeds through an aminobenzylamine intermediate that rearranges under acid catalysis to the methylene-bridged diamine, giving a crude product mixture of the 4,4'-, 2,4'- and 2,2'-isomers together with higher methylene-bridged oligomers (polymeric MDA, the precursor to polymeric MDI).
After neutralisation of the acid catalyst, the crude mixture is separated: the monomeric diamine fraction is purified by distillation and crystallisation to isolate the 4,4'-isomer at the assay and melting-point specification required for MDI manufacture or direct sale, while the higher-oligomer fraction is retained for polymeric-MDI production.
Industries and processes that use it
4,4'-Methylenedianiline is consumed overwhelmingly as the precursor to MDI for polyurethanes, with significant secondary demand from epoxy curing and high-performance resin chemistry. The fields below account for most of the demand we see through our export desk.
MDI Precursor for Polyurethanes
Phosgenated to methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), the backbone diisocyanate of rigid and flexible polyurethane foams, coatings and elastomers.
Epoxy Resin Curing Agent
Used directly as a hardener for epoxy resin systems, drawing on its two difunctional primary amines to build a crosslinked thermoset network.
Polyimide & High-Temperature Resin Intermediate
A building block for polyimide and specialty high-temperature polymer chemistry used in electrical insulation and aerospace composites.
Wire & Cable Insulation Compounds
Used in formulating insulation and jacketing compounds that call for a difunctional aromatic amine crosslinker.
How the molecule is typically carried forward
The two terminal primary amines and the central methylene bridge govern almost all of this molecule's further reaction chemistry. Reaction classes below account for most of the ways 4,4'-Methylenedianiline is converted into a finished polymer or intermediate.
Phosgenation to MDI
Reaction with phosgene (or a phosgene-free equivalent route) converts both amine groups to isocyanate groups, giving methylene diphenyl diisocyanate.
Epoxide Ring-Opening (Curing)
Each of the two terminal amines opens an epoxide ring in turn, crosslinking liquid epoxy resin into a rigid thermoset network.
Polyimide Condensation
Reaction with a dianhydride in a two-step imidisation builds high-temperature-resistant polyimide polymer chains.
Diazotisation & Coupling
Under appropriate conditions the primary amines can be diazotised and coupled, a route used in dye-intermediate chemistry.
4,4'-Methylenedianiline against other aromatic amines we supply
Buyers sourcing this diamine for MDI or epoxy-curing chemistry often need a related aromatic amine for rubber-antioxidant or polyurethane-elastomer applications. A quick reference to what else is on our regular supply list.
| Product | CAS Number | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,4'-Methylenedianiline | 101-77-9 | Aromatic diamine | The product on this page — the principal precursor to MDI and a widely used epoxy curing agent. |
| MOCA / MBOCA | 101-14-4 | Chlorinated aromatic diamine | A related curing-agent diamine for cast polyurethane elastomers, built from the same methylene-bridging chemistry — see its product page. |
| Diphenylamine | 122-39-4 | Secondary aromatic amine | A related aromatic amine, feedstock for diphenylamine-type rubber antioxidants — see its product page. |
| Benzene | 71-43-2 | Aromatic hydrocarbon | The upstream feedstock behind aniline and the wider aromatic-amine family — 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 4,4'-Methylenedianiline.
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.
May cause cancer.
Suspected of causing genetic defects.
Toxic if swallowed.
Harmful in contact with skin.
May cause an allergic skin reaction.
Causes damage to organs (liver) through prolonged or repeated exposure.
Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Danger — GHS08 health hazard, GHS06 toxic and GHS09 environmental hazard pictograms apply.
This compound is classified as a suspected human carcinogen and mutagen, is toxic if swallowed, harmful in contact with skin, may cause an allergic skin reaction, and causes organ damage (notably to the liver) through prolonged or repeated exposure. It must be handled with impervious gloves, splash-proof eye protection and suitable respiratory protection at all times, under the controls set out in the MSDS issued with every shipment, which 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 area away from strong oxidising agents and strong acids, in tightly closed original packaging, protected from moisture and direct light. If handled molten, maintain even heating to avoid localised degradation and colour development. If a batch is held past its retest date, re-check assay, colour and melting point 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 4,4'-Methylenedianiline leaves with a documented, checkable paper trail.
Certificate of Analysis
Batch-wise assay, colour and key physical constants, 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 4,4'-Methylenedianiline used for?+
02What is the CAS number of 4,4'-Methylenedianiline?+
03How is 4,4'-Methylenedianiline made?+
04What purity grade does Chelora Chemicals supply?+
05Is 4,4'-Methylenedianiline hazardous?+
06Why does MDI manufacture need the 4,4'-isomer specifically?+
07What packing options are available?+
08How long does delivery take?+
09Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?+
10Do you supply other aromatic amines as well?+
Need 4,4'-Methylenedianiline on spec, on time?
Send us your required purity, quantity, packing preference and destination port. Our desk quotes most enquiries within one working day.