2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene
A doubly activated aryl chloride, supplied as 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene for use as an aromatic building block across dye intermediate manufacture.
What is 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene?
2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene, formally 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, is a pale yellow crystalline solid built on a benzene ring carrying a chlorine atom at C-1 and nitro groups at C-2 and C-4.
That combination is the reason the molecule is such a versatile building block. The two nitro groups strongly activate the ring toward nucleophilic aromatic substitution, so the chlorine is readily displaced by amine, phenol or thiol nucleophiles under comparatively mild conditions, building the diarylamine, diphenyl ether and diphenyl sulfide linkages that anchor many dye chromophores.
At Chelora Dyes, 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene is crystallised and dried to a controlled particle profile and low moisture, so substitution reactions downstream run cleanly and give consistent, reproducible results batch to batch.
- Appearance
- Pale yellow crystalline
- Odour
- Faint, characteristic
- Solubility
- Alcohol, benzene, acetone
- Function
- Activated aryl chloride
- Grade
- Technical / dye
Dinitro-activated aryl chloride
- Molecular formulaC6H3ClN2O4
- Molecular weight202.55 g/mol
- IUPAC name1-Chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene
- Functional groupsAryl chloride, two nitro
- CAS number97-00-7
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Dyes' technical grade 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | 1-Chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, DNCB, 24DNCB |
| CAS number | 97-00-7 |
| Molecular formula | C6H3ClN2O4 |
| Molecular weight | 202.55 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 98.0% |
| Appearance | Pale yellow crystalline solid or needles |
| Melting point | 52–55°C |
| Moisture content | ≤ 0.5% |
| Insoluble matter | ≤ 0.2% |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol, benzene, acetone and hot acetic acid |
| Packaging | 25 kg / 50 kg bags, 500–1000 kg jumbo bags |
| Shelf life | 24 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene
Sulfur dye intermediates
A key building block for diarylamine and thioether-linked intermediates used in sulfur dye manufacture.
Diarylamine synthesis
Reacted with aromatic amines under nucleophilic substitution to build extended chromophore systems.
Dye & pigment chemistry
Feeds intermediates used across dye, pigment and specialty colourant manufacture.
Fine chemical synthesis
Supplies an activated aryl chloride core for further substitution and condensation chemistry.
Analytical reagents
Used as a reference reagent in analytical and laboratory-scale synthesis work.
Custom synthesis
Supplied to order for custom manufacturing and contract synthesis projects.
Why choose Chelora Dyes
Consistent purity
Assay controlled at ≥98% with moisture and colour verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 25 kg bags to jumbo-bag bulk quantities.
Technical support
Process, substitution chemistry, and compliance guidance from our chemistry team.
Storage and guidelines
- Store in tightly sealed original packaging in a dry environment.
- Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Segregate strictly from amines, strong bases and reducing agents due to its reactive chlorine.
- Protect from moisture pickup and avoid contact with incompatible metals.
- Use compatible containers: lined HDPE bags or drums.
- Re-seal bags promptly after use to preserve assay specification.
Handling precautions
2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene is a recognised skin and respiratory sensitiser and irritant; repeated or prolonged contact should be strictly avoided.
Use closed handling equipment, dust and vapour extraction, and full PPE including chemically resistant gloves, goggles and, where indicated by the risk assessment, respiratory protection during weighing, charging and any bulk handling operation.
Keep away from amines, strong bases, reducing agents and sources of ignition, as the activated chlorine reacts readily with many nucleophiles.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, spill containment, disposal, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene used for?
2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene is used as an aromatic building block in dye intermediate manufacture, where its activated chlorine is displaced by amine, phenol or thiol nucleophiles to build diarylamine, diphenyl ether and diphenyl sulfide chromophores used in sulfur and other dye classes.
Why is the chlorine on this molecule so reactive?
The two nitro groups withdraw electron density from the ring and strongly activate the carbon-chlorine bond toward nucleophilic aromatic substitution, which is why the chlorine is readily displaced under comparatively mild conditions.
Is 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene soluble in water?
It is only slightly soluble in water. It dissolves readily in common organic solvents such as alcohol, benzene, acetone and hot glacial acetic acid, which is why substitution reactions are usually carried out in an organic or mixed solvent system.
What purity do you supply?
Standard technical grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 98%, with moisture and melting range held within tight limits. Higher assay grades can be manufactured to order.
What packaging sizes are available?
25 kg and 50 kg multiwall paper or HDPE-lined bags, with bulk supply available in 500 kg and 1000 kg jumbo bags.
How should it be stored, and for how long?
In sealed original packaging in a cool, dry, ventilated store away from amines, strong bases and reducing agents. Shelf life is 24 months from manufacture when storage conditions are maintained.
Is it hazardous to handle?
It is classified as a skin sensitiser and irritant and must be handled strictly according to its Safety Data Sheet, with closed handling, dedicated PPE and adequate ventilation.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Each batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering assay, moisture, appearance and melting point.
