1,2,4-Trichloro Benzene
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene is the higher-volume of the two trichlorobenzene isomers we supply — a dielectric and heat-transfer fluid, dye-carrier and specialty GPC solvent with a melting point close enough to ambient that cool-climate transit needs a specific handling note.
What 1,2,4-Trichloro Benzene is, and why buyers source it
A working overview of the compound's chemistry, its place in the aniline-derivative family, and the grades Chelora Chemicals keeps in regular supply.
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene (1,2,4-TCB) is a liquid under normal warm-climate conditions, but its melting point of 16.9 °C sits close enough to room temperature that a shipment held in a cool warehouse or transported through a cooler climate can partially solidify. That's a genuine physical property of this specific compound, not a quality defect, and we flag it here so receiving teams aren't caught off guard by a part-crystallised drum.
Commercially, this isomer sees broader use than its 1,2,3- relative: as a dielectric and heat-transfer fluid, as a high-temperature solvent — notably as the standard solvent for gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis of polyolefins — as a dye-carrier and precursor in dye and pesticide intermediate chemistry, and as a degreasing solvent.
Where it fits in the synthesis chain
We supply 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene itself as a solvent, heat-transfer fluid and process chemical.
Grades we supply
99%+ technical grade is the standard commercial offering; GPC-analysis buyers sometimes specify additional purity/stabiliser requirements beyond bulk assay, which we can discuss case by case.
How 1,2,4-Trichloro Benzene 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.
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene is made industrially by three documented routes. Most directly, it is produced by direct benzene chlorination tuned with catalysts and sulfur additives to favour this specific isomer over the 1,2,3- and 1,3,5- alternatives. It is also made by further chlorination of 1,4-dichlorobenzene, for which this isomer is the near-exclusive further-chlorination product, and by dehydrochlorination of hexachlorocyclohexane, for which this is the main product (distinct from the 1,2,3-/1,3,5- mixture that route gives for the lower-chlorinated isomer we also supply).
Because this isomer is produced at larger scale than 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene and across multiple feasible routes, supply is generally more consistent and available in larger volumes.
The product is purified by fractional distillation to separate it from the other trichlorobenzene isomers and residual dichlorobenzene, then tested for isomeric purity, moisture and colour before release.
A melting point close to ambient — a genuine handling note
At 16.9 °C, this compound's melting point sits right in the range of a cool evening or an air-conditioned warehouse. A shipment that partially solidifies in transit is not off-spec — it simply needs gentle warming and homogenising before sampling or use. We recommend insulated or mildly heated storage for buyers in cooler climates or during cooler shipping seasons, to keep the product reliably liquid and easy to handle.
Industries and processes that use it
1,2,4-Trichloro Benzene is consumed almost entirely as a synthesis intermediate. The four fields below account for most of the demand we see through our export desk.
Dielectric & Heat-Transfer Fluid
Used as a dielectric and heat-transfer fluid in industrial applications requiring high thermal and chemical stability.
GPC Solvent for Polyolefin Analysis
The standard high-temperature solvent for gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis of polyolefins, a specialty analytical-chemistry application.
Dye Carrier & Dye/Pesticide Intermediate
Used as a dye-carrier and as a precursor in dye and pesticide intermediate chemistry.
Degreasing Solvent
Used as a degreasing solvent in industrial cleaning applications, taking advantage of its high boiling point and solvency.
How the molecule is typically carried forward
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene follows the same general electrophilic-substitution chemistry as the rest of the chlorobenzene family, though — like its ortho-dichloro relative — its dominant commercial role is as a stable solvent and heat-transfer fluid rather than a reactive intermediate.
Chemical and thermal stability as a functional property
What matters most for dielectric, heat-transfer and GPC-solvent use is this compound's resistance to breakdown under sustained heat and in the presence of the materials it's dissolving or cooling — this stability, not reactivity, is the core of its commercial value.
Further chlorination (minor route)
Additional chlorination gives higher-chlorinated benzenes; this is a manufacturing-route consideration rather than a standard downstream use for this specific grade.
Nucleophilic aromatic substitution under forcing conditions
The chlorines can be displaced by strong nucleophiles under forcing conditions in specialty dye and pesticide intermediate synthesis.
1,2,4-Trichloro Benzene against its near relatives
1,2,4- and 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene are the two trichlorobenzene isomers in our range — this is the higher-volume, broader-application isomer of the pair.
| Product | CAS Number | Typically Used In | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene | 120-82-1 | Dielectric/heat-transfer fluid; dye-carrier; GPC solvent | The product on this page. Liquid, mp 16.9 °C. |
| 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene | 87-61-6 | Dielectric coolant; glass-tempering heat-transfer medium | Also supplied — see its product page. Solid, mp 53.5 °C. |
| Ortho Dichlorobenzene | 95-50-1 | Metal degreasing solvent; textile dye carrier | Also supplied — see its product page. Liquid, mp −17 °C. |
| Mono Chlorobenzene | 108-90-7 | Industrial solvent; nitrochlorobenzene/aniline chain | Also supplied — see its product page. Liquid, mp −45.6 °C. |
Exact physical constants and purity specifications are confirmed per batch on the certificate of analysis — treat the notes above as a sourcing guide rather than a specification sheet.
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.
Causes skin irritation.
Very toxic to aquatic life.
Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Warning
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene carries a harmonised classification under EU CLP Annex VI, Index number 602-087-00-6: Acute Tox. 4 oral (H302), Skin Irrit. 2 (H315), and Aquatic Acute 1 / Chronic 1 (H400/H410). IARC has not evaluated this substance; EPA's earlier assessment described it as not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity based on the data available at the time, though ATSDR documents liver tumours in mice from a two-year feeding study — an animal-data finding worth noting without overstating it as a formal carcinogen classification. It is not currently listed as an SVHC or formally designated PBT/vPvB substance, though literature discusses moderate persistence in air and bioaccumulation in fish and fatty tissue.
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, well-ventilated area; because the melting point (16.9 °C) is close to typical indoor ambient temperature, mild insulation or gentle heating may be needed in cooler climates or seasons to keep the product reliably liquid. Keep away from strong oxidisers.
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 1,2,4-Trichloro Benzene leaves with a documented, checkable paper trail.
Certificate of Analysis
Batch-wise assay (by GC), isomer purity, melting point range and moisture, 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 1,2,4-Trichloro Benzene used for?+
02What is the CAS number of 1,2,4-Trichloro Benzene?+
03What purity grades does Chelora Chemicals supply?+
04Is 1,2,4-Trichloro Benzene hazardous?+
05Why would a shipment of this product arrive partially solid?+
06Has this substance been found to cause cancer in animal studies?+
07Is this the same as 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene?+
08What packing options are available?+
09How long does delivery take?+
10Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?+
11How is 1,2,4-Trichloro Benzene manufactured?+
12What is the shelf life, and how should it be stored?+
Need 1,2,4-Trichloro Benzene on spec, on time?
Send us your required purity, quantity, packing preference and destination port. Our desk quotes most enquiries within one working day.