Para Nitrotoluene
A nitroaromatic intermediate supplied by Chelora Chemicals — a major isomer from toluene nitration, and the direct feedstock for Para Nitrotoluene Ortho Sulphonic Acid and stilbene-dye chemistry — exported from Indonesia with full batch documentation on every shipment.
What Para Nitrotoluene is, and why buyers source it
A working overview of the compound's chemistry, how it dominates toluene nitration alongside the ortho isomer, and its key role feeding dye-intermediate and pharmaceutical synthesis.
Para Nitrotoluene (4-nitrotoluene) is a benzene ring carrying a methyl group and a nitro group in the 1,4 (para) relationship. It is one of the two major isomers formed when toluene is nitrated, forming alongside the ortho isomer in a combined roughly 2:1 ratio over the minor meta isomer.
At room temperature it is a pale yellow crystalline solid. It is only slightly soluble in water but dissolves in common organic solvents, and like other nitroaromatics is handled as a toxic material under full MSDS guidance rather than a benign commodity solid.
Where it fits in the synthesis chain
The principal downstream use of this material is sulfonation of the methyl group's ring position to give Para Nitrotoluene Ortho Sulphonic Acid (PNT-OSA), which is itself oxidatively coupled into stilbene-based fluorescent brightening agents and dyes — a major commercial chain in its own right. Beyond that, the methyl group can be oxidised to 4-nitrobenzoic acid, used in the synthesis of procainamide, and the nitro group is reduced to p-toluidine for further dye and agrochemical intermediate chemistry, including chlorotoluron herbicide synthesis.
Grades we supply
Chelora Chemicals offers Para Nitrotoluene in technical grade (≈98% assay) for standard industrial synthesis, and high-purity grade (99%+) for applications sensitive to isomeric (ortho) carryover. Both grades are supplied with a batch-wise certificate of analysis.
How Para 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.
Para Nitrotoluene is manufactured by the direct nitration of toluene with a mixed nitric/sulfuric acid system, run under controlled temperature. Because the methyl group is an ortho/para director with a steric preference for the less-hindered para position, the reaction gives a mixture in which the para and ortho isomers together dominate over the meta isomer in roughly a 2:1 ratio, with the para isomer typically present in a comparable or somewhat higher proportion than the ortho isomer.
The two major isomers are separated by fractional distillation and crystallisation after the crude nitration mixture is washed free of residual acid, exploiting the para isomer's notably higher melting point relative to the ortho isomer. This separation step is the main process control point distinguishing a clean para-isomer cut from one carrying meaningful ortho-isomer contamination.
Why isomer separation matters to buyers
Because the ortho and para isomers come from the same nitration step, the quality of the downstream crystallisation is what determines whether a batch sold as “para nitrotoluene” is isomerically clean enough for sensitive PNT-OSA/stilbene-dye synthesis, or only suitable for less isomer-sensitive uses.
Industries and processes that use it
Para Nitrotoluene is consumed mainly as the feedstock for Para Nitrotoluene Ortho Sulphonic Acid and the stilbene-dye chemistry built on it, with further volumes going into pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediate synthesis. The fields below account for most of the demand we see through our export desk.
PNT-OSA & Stilbene Brightener Chain
Sulfonation gives Para Nitrotoluene Ortho Sulphonic Acid, oxidatively coupled into stilbene-based fluorescent brightening agents and dyes.
Pharmaceutical Intermediate (Procainamide Route)
Oxidation of the methyl group gives 4-nitrobenzoic acid, used in the synthesis of the antiarrhythmic drug procainamide.
Herbicide Intermediate (Chlorotoluron Route)
p-Toluidine derived from this material's reduction feeds the synthesis of the herbicide chlorotoluron.
Rubber & Pigment Intermediate Chemistry
p-Toluidine is also used more broadly in rubber-chemical and pigment intermediate synthesis.
How the molecule is typically carried forward
The methyl group's ring position, the methyl group itself, and the nitro group each offer their own downstream chemistry. Reaction classes below account for most of the ways Para Nitrotoluene is converted into a finished intermediate.
Sulfonation to PNT-OSA
Sulfonation at the ring position ortho to the methyl group gives Para Nitrotoluene Ortho Sulphonic Acid, the single largest downstream use of this material.
Oxidation of the Methyl Group
Oxidation of the methyl substituent gives 4-nitrobenzoic acid, used in procainamide synthesis.
Reduction to p-Toluidine
Catalytic hydrogenation converts the nitro group to a primary amine, giving p-toluidine for herbicide, rubber-chemical and pigment intermediate chemistry.
Oxidative Coupling (Stilbene Formation)
PNT-OSA made from this material is oxidatively coupled under alkaline conditions to form the stilbene core of fluorescent brightening agents.
Para Nitrotoluene against other nitrotoluene isomers and derivatives we supply
Buyers sourcing para nitrotoluene often need its sulfonated downstream derivative, or the ortho/meta isomers for a different process. A quick reference to what else is on our regular supply list.
| Product | CAS Number | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Para Nitrotoluene | 99-99-0 | Mono-methyl mono-nitro aromatic | The product on this page — a major isomer from toluene nitration. |
| Para Nitrotoluene Ortho Sulphonic Acid | 121-03-9 | Sulfonated nitrotoluene | The sulfonated downstream derivative of this product — see its product page. |
| Ortho Nitrotoluene | 88-72-2 | Mono-methyl mono-nitro aromatic | The other major isomer from the same nitration — see its product page. |
| Meta Nitrotoluene | 99-08-1 | Mono-methyl mono-nitro aromatic | The minor isomer from the same nitration — 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 Para 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.
Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled.
May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
As with other nitroaromatics, overexposure is associated with methaemoglobinaemia; cyanosis, headache or dizziness after exposure needs prompt medical attention.
Impervious gloves, splash-proof eye protection and suitable respiratory protection are the baseline for routine handling.
Crystalline material can generate dust; local exhaust ventilation is recommended during transfer and weighing.
Danger — GHS06 acute toxicity pictogram applies.
This compound is toxic by all three exposure routes and may cause organ damage with repeated exposure; it must be handled with impervious gloves, full eye/face protection and suitable respiratory protection at all times, avoiding any skin contact. 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 is held past its retest date, re-check assay, melting point 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 Para Nitrotoluene leaves with a documented, checkable paper trail.
Certificate of Analysis
Batch-wise assay (by GC), melting point range, 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 Para Nitrotoluene used for?+
02What is the CAS number of Para Nitrotoluene?+
03How is Para Nitrotoluene made?+
04What purity grades does Chelora Chemicals supply?+
05Is Para Nitrotoluene hazardous?+
06How is this different from Ortho Nitrotoluene and the sulfonic acid derivative?+
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 and derivatives?+
Need Para Nitrotoluene on spec, on time?
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