Meta Dinitrobenzene
A dinitroaromatic intermediate supplied by Chelora Chemicals as the meta-nitrated downstream step from Nitrobenzene — principally valued as the route into m-phenylenediamine and 3-nitroaniline chemistry — exported from Indonesia with full batch documentation on every shipment.
What Meta Dinitrobenzene is, and why buyers source it
A working overview of the compound's chemistry, how it sits downstream of Nitrobenzene in our range, and the grades Chelora Chemicals keeps in regular supply.
Meta Dinitrobenzene (1,3-dinitrobenzene) is a benzene ring carrying two nitro groups in the 1,3 (meta) relationship. It is the direct product of nitrating Nitrobenzene a second time: the first nitro group is already a strong electron-withdrawing, meta-directing substituent, so the incoming second nitro group is channelled almost exclusively to the position meta to the first, which is why 1,3-dinitrobenzene so heavily dominates over the 1,2 and 1,4 isomers in the product mixture.
At room temperature it is a pale yellow crystalline solid, only slightly soluble in water but readily soluble in common organic solvents such as benzene, toluene and acetone. Like other nitroaromatics, it is handled as a toxic, environmentally persistent material rather than a benign commodity solid, and the hazard and handling information on this page should be read in full before it is ordered.
Where it fits in the synthesis chain
The commercially important chemistry of meta dinitrobenzene is almost entirely in the reduction of one or both nitro groups. Selective partial reduction of one nitro group gives 3-nitroaniline, an intermediate used in dye and pigment synthesis; full reduction of both nitro groups gives m-phenylenediamine, a key building block for aramid fibres (of the Kevlar/Nomex family) and for certain epoxy-resin curing agents. Chelora Chemicals supplies the dinitro starting material into both of these downstream chains.
Grades we supply
We offer Meta Dinitrobenzene in technical grade (≈98% assay) for standard reduction chemistry, and high-purity grade (99%+) for buyers whose downstream amine product is sensitive to isomeric (ortho/para-dinitrobenzene) carryover. Both grades ship with a batch-wise certificate of analysis.
How Meta Dinitrobenzene 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 Dinitrobenzene is manufactured by the nitration of Nitrobenzene with a mixed nitric/sulfuric acid system, using sulfuric acid as catalyst and dehydrating agent in the same way as the first nitration step that makes nitrobenzene itself. Because the existing nitro group is a powerful meta-director, this second nitration is highly selective: the literature reports roughly 93% of the product forming at the meta position relative to the first nitro group, with only minor amounts of the ortho and para dinitrobenzene isomers formed alongside it.
After nitration, the crude product is separated from the spent acid, washed, and crystallised or distilled to the required purity before packing. The isomer separation step is what distinguishes technical grade from high-purity grade material.
Why the starting material matters
Starting from nitrobenzene rather than from benzene directly is what gives such strong control over which dinitrobenzene isomer dominates; attempting to introduce both nitro groups independently, without the first group's directing influence already in place, would give a far less selective and less useful isomer mixture.
Industries and processes that use it
Meta Dinitrobenzene is consumed almost entirely as a reduction-chemistry intermediate. The fields below account for most of the global demand we see through our export desk.
Aramid Fibre Intermediate (m-Phenylenediamine)
Full reduction of both nitro groups gives m-phenylenediamine, a key monomer for aramid fibres of the Kevlar/Nomex family and for certain high-performance polymer chemistry.
3-Nitroaniline Intermediate
Selective partial reduction of one nitro group gives 3-nitroaniline, used as an intermediate in dye and pigment synthesis.
Epoxy Curing-Agent Chemistry
m-Phenylenediamine derived from this material is also used as a curing agent in certain epoxy-resin systems requiring high thermal performance.
Dye & Pigment Intermediate Chemistry
Serves as a building block in broader nitroaromatic and amine-based dye and pigment intermediate synthesis.
How the molecule is typically carried forward
Both nitro groups are reduction handles, and which one (or both) is reduced determines the downstream product. Reaction classes below account for most of the ways Meta Dinitrobenzene is converted into a finished intermediate.
Selective Partial Reduction
Controlled catalytic or chemical reduction of a single nitro group gives 3-nitroaniline, leaving the second nitro group intact for further chemistry or isolation as the finished intermediate.
Full Reduction to m-Phenylenediamine
Complete catalytic hydrogenation of both nitro groups gives m-phenylenediamine, the aramid-fibre and epoxy-curing-agent building block that represents the largest downstream use of this material.
Diazotization of the Reduced Amine
Once reduced to an amine, the resulting aniline derivative can be diazotized under standard cold, acidic conditions for azo-coupling chemistry in dye and pigment manufacture.
Acid-Base & Salt Formation
Both 3-nitroaniline and m-phenylenediamine form well-characterised salts with mineral acids, used in some purification and formulation steps downstream.
Meta Dinitrobenzene against other nitroaromatic building blocks we supply
Buyers sourcing meta dinitrobenzene often need Nitrobenzene itself for an earlier step, or a chloronitrobenzene isomer for a parallel process. A quick reference to what else is on our regular supply list.
| Product | CAS Number | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meta Dinitrobenzene | 99-65-0 | Di-nitro aromatic | The product on this page — made by a second, meta-directed nitration of Nitrobenzene. |
| Nitrobenzene | 98-95-3 | Mono-nitro aromatic | The foundational starting material for this product — see its product page. |
| Ortho Nitrochlorobenzene | 88-73-3 | Mono-chloro mono-nitro aromatic | Made from chlorobenzene nitration (ortho/para mixture) — see its product page. |
| Meta Nitrochlorobenzene | 121-73-3 | Mono-chloro mono-nitro aromatic | Made from nitrobenzene chlorination (meta-directed) — 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 Dinitrobenzene.
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.
Fatal if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled.
May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
Nitroaromatic amines and their precursors are associated with methaemoglobinaemia and other blood-related effects on overexposure.
Treat as persistent in 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.
Technical-grade flake/crystal material can generate dust; local exhaust ventilation is recommended during transfer and weighing.
Danger — GHS06 acute toxicity and GHS09 environmental hazard pictograms apply.
This is a severely acutely toxic material by all three exposure routes, and must be handled with impervious gloves, full eye/face protection and suitable respiratory protection at all times; avoid any skin contact or inhalation of dust. It is also very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects, so spill and waste handling must prevent any release to drains or waterways. 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. Avoid generating or accumulating dust during handling. If a batch is held past its retest date, re-check assay, melting point and colour 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 Dinitrobenzene leaves with a documented, checkable paper trail.
Certificate of Analysis
Batch-wise assay, 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 Meta Dinitrobenzene used for?+
02What is the CAS number of Meta Dinitrobenzene?+
03How is Meta Dinitrobenzene made?+
04What purity grades does Chelora Chemicals supply?+
05Is Meta Dinitrobenzene hazardous?+
06What is m-phenylenediamine and why does it matter here?+
07What packing options are available?+
08How long does delivery take?+
09Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?+
10Do you supply other nitroaromatic building blocks?+
Need Meta Dinitrobenzene on spec, on time?
Send us your required purity, quantity, packing preference and destination port. Our desk quotes most enquiries within one working day.