Meta Dichlorobenzene
Meta Dichlorobenzene is the minor isomer of the dichlorobenzene family — a genuine co-product of the same benzene-chlorination chemistry that gives Mono and Ortho Dichlorobenzene, but without the large, well-developed standalone solvent market its ortho relative has.
What Meta Dichlorobenzene 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.
We want to be straightforward about this product's commercial position. Meta Dichlorobenzene (1,3-dichlorobenzene) is a real, well-characterised chemical with a confirmed identity and hazard profile, but it has never been commercially developed into a major standalone solvent or intermediate the way its ortho isomer has. It exists mainly as a minor co-product of mixed-isomer dichlorobenzene manufacture, and we supply it on that basis — a lower-volume, specialty-grade product rather than a bulk commodity.
Its documented uses are narrower and more specialty in character: as a chemical intermediate in select synthesis routes (including a Sandmeyer-type route from 3-chloroaniline for specific specialty targets), and as a component separated from mixed-isomer dichlorobenzene process streams. We'd rather state this honestly than imply a broader commodity market this isomer doesn't actually have.
Where it fits in the synthesis chain
We supply Meta Dichlorobenzene itself as a specialty-grade intermediate; we don't manufacture or supply the further specialty products it may be used to synthesise.
Grades we supply
98%+ technical grade is the standard offering for this lower-volume isomer.
How Meta Dichlorobenzene 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 Dichlorobenzene forms as a minor co-product of direct benzene chlorination, alongside the dominant ortho and para isomers (we do not currently supply the para isomer, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, which has its own separate, better-known commercial identity as a deodorant-block and moth-repellent chemical that we are not describing on this page).
Because it forms in smaller amount than the ortho isomer, isolating meta-dichlorobenzene to commercial purity requires more careful fractional distillation and, where tighter specification is needed, additional purification steps to separate it cleanly from its ortho and para relatives, which have similar boiling points.
A documented alternative route to this specific isomer exists via a Sandmeyer-type reaction starting from 3-chloroaniline, used where a dedicated synthesis is preferred over isolation from the mixed-isomer stream — though isolation from the benzene-chlorination stream remains the standard industrial approach.
An honest note on this isomer's commercial scale
We'd rather tell buyers plainly that Meta Dichlorobenzene is a specialty, lower-volume product relative to its ortho isomer, rather than imply a commodity-scale market that the documented literature doesn't support. If your application specifically calls for the meta isomer's distinct chemistry, we can supply it to the grade you need — but if your actual requirement is a general-purpose chlorinated solvent, our Ortho Dichlorobenzene or Mono Chlorobenzene grades are the more established, better-supported choice.
Industries and processes that use it
Meta Dichlorobenzene is consumed almost entirely as a synthesis intermediate. The four fields below account for most of the demand we see through our export desk.
Specialty Synthesis Intermediate
Used in select synthesis routes, including Sandmeyer-type chemistry from 3-chloroaniline, for specialty targets requiring this specific substitution pattern.
Mixed-Isomer Process Stream Component
Occurs and is recovered as part of standard benzene-chlorination process streams, alongside the more heavily used mono- and ortho-dichlorobenzene products.
Niche Solvent Applications
Used in smaller-volume, specialty solvent applications where its particular isomeric chemistry offers an advantage over the more commonly used ortho isomer.
How the molecule is typically carried forward
Meta Dichlorobenzene's reaction chemistry mirrors the general electrophilic substitution pattern of other chlorobenzenes, though its own commercial use leans more toward specialty intermediate chemistry than solvent applications.
Sandmeyer-type synthesis (from 3-chloroaniline)
Diazotization of 3-chloroaniline followed by reaction with a chloride source gives this isomer directly, a documented alternative to isolating it from the mixed benzene-chlorination stream.
Further electrophilic substitution
Under suitable conditions, the ring can undergo further nitration or chlorination in specialty synthesis, though this is not the compound's primary commercial use.
Nucleophilic aromatic substitution under forcing conditions
The chlorines can be displaced by strong nucleophiles under forcing conditions, used occasionally in specialty synthesis targeting this specific substitution pattern.
Meta Dichlorobenzene against its near relatives
Meta and Ortho Dichlorobenzene are the two dichlorobenzene isomers in our range — close structural relatives with meaningfully different commercial scale and hazard profiles.
| Product | CAS Number | Typically Used In | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meta Dichlorobenzene | 541-73-1 | Minor-volume intermediate; specialty synthesis | The product on this page. Liquid, mp −22 to −25 °C. |
| Ortho Dichlorobenzene | 95-50-1 | Metal degreasing solvent; textile dye carrier; TDI process solvent | 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. |
| 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. |
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.
Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Warning
Meta Dichlorobenzene carries a harmonised classification under EU CLP Annex VI, Index number 602-067-00-7: Acute Tox. 4 oral (H302) and Aquatic Chronic 2 (H411) — a notably lighter profile than its ortho isomer, which carries additional skin/eye irritation statements and a more severe Category 1 aquatic-hazard classification. IARC evaluated this substance in Monograph Volume 73 (1999) and placed it in Group 3, not classifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans. We found no SVHC or PBT/vPvB listing for it. A precise water-solubility figure was not found in the sources we checked — only a qualitative "very low/insoluble" description.
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 away from strong oxidisers. Keep containers tightly sealed.
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 Dichlorobenzene 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 Meta Dichlorobenzene used for?+
02What is the CAS number of Meta Dichlorobenzene?+
03What purity grades does Chelora Chemicals supply?+
04Is Meta Dichlorobenzene hazardous?+
05Is this a major commercial solvent like Ortho Dichlorobenzene?+
06Is this the same compound as Para-Dichlorobenzene (the deodorant-block chemical)?+
07Why does this isomer have a lighter hazard classification than Ortho Dichlorobenzene?+
08What packing options are available?+
09How long does delivery take?+
10Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?+
11How is Meta Dichlorobenzene manufactured?+
12What is the shelf life, and how should it be stored?+
Need Meta Dichlorobenzene on spec, on time?
Send us your required purity, quantity, packing preference and destination port. Our desk quotes most enquiries within one working day.