Meta Dinitrobenzene
A high-purity dinitrobenzene, supplied as 1,3-dinitrobenzene (MDNB) for use as a nitro intermediate across dye manufacture.
What is Meta Dinitrobenzene?
Meta Dinitrobenzene, abbreviated MDNB, is a pale yellow crystalline solid built on a benzene ring carrying two nitro groups at the 1 and 3 (meta) positions.
Like other nitrobenzene intermediates, MDNB sits a step upstream of the diazo chemistry used across the dye range: selective, partial reduction of one nitro group generates m-nitroaniline, while full reduction gives m-phenylenediamine, both valuable diazo and coupling components in their own right for azo dye manufacture. MDNB is also used directly in some dye processes as a mild oxidising agent.
At Chelora Dyes, MDNB is crystallised and dried to a controlled particle profile and low moisture, so the downstream reduction sequence runs cleanly and gives a consistent, reproducible product batch to batch.
- Appearance
- Pale yellow crystals
- Odour
- Faint, characteristic
- Solubility
- Ethanol, benzene, acetone
- Function
- Nitro intermediate
- Grade
- Technical / dye
Benzene ring with two nitro substituents at the meta positions
- Molecular formulaC6H4N2O4
- Molecular weight168.11 g/mol
- IUPAC name1,3-Dinitrobenzene
- Functional groupsNitro (x2)
- CAS number99-65-0
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Dyes' technical grade Meta Dinitrobenzene. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | Meta Dinitrobenzene |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | MDNB, 1,3-Dinitrobenzene, m-DNB |
| CAS number | 99-65-0 |
| Molecular formula | C6H4N2O4 |
| Molecular weight | 168.11 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 98.0% |
| Appearance | Pale yellow crystalline solid |
| Melting point | 89–91°C |
| Moisture content | ≤ 0.3% |
| Insoluble matter | ≤ 0.2% |
| Solubility | Practically insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, benzene and acetone |
| Packaging | 25 kg / 50 kg bags, 500–1000 kg jumbo bags |
| Shelf life | 24 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of Meta Dinitrobenzene
m-Phenylenediamine synthesis
Fully reduced to m-phenylenediamine, a key coupling component in azo dye synthesis.
m-Nitroaniline synthesis
Selectively reduced to m-nitroaniline for use as a diazo component in azo dye manufacture.
Dye process oxidant
Used directly in some dye manufacturing processes as a mild oxidising agent.
Fine chemical intermediates
Supplies a dinitrobenzene core for further condensation and specialty chemical synthesis.
Dye intermediate manufacture
Used across dye intermediate manufacturing where a defined dinitrobenzene starting material is required.
Analytical reagents
Used as a reference reagent in analytical and research-scale dye chemistry.
Why choose Chelora Dyes
Consistent purity
Assay controlled at ≥98% with moisture and melting range 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, reduction, 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 sources.
- Protect from moisture pickup — the material can cake if exposed to humid air.
- Segregate from strong reducing agents, strong oxidisers and combustible materials.
- Use compatible containers: lined HDPE bags or drums.
- Re-seal bags promptly after use to preserve moisture and assay specification.
Handling precautions
Meta Dinitrobenzene is toxic if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, and is toxic to aquatic organisms with long-lasting effects.
Use dust control measures, chemically resistant gloves, and eye protection during weighing, charging, and any bulk handling operation.
Provide local exhaust ventilation where dust generation is likely, and avoid breathing dust. Keep away from open flame and sources of ignition, and away from strong reducing agents given the dinitro functionality.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet and applicable local regulations for exposure limits, spill containment, disposal, and first-aid measures before any handling operation.
Frequently asked questions
What is Meta Dinitrobenzene used for?
Meta Dinitrobenzene is used as a nitro intermediate, most commonly reduced to meta-phenylenediamine or m-nitroaniline derivatives, which are then used as diazo or coupling components in azo dye synthesis, and it is also used directly as an oxidising agent in some dye processes.
Why is the 1,3-dinitro substitution pattern significant?
Having two nitro groups meta to each other allows selective, controlled reduction chemistry to generate valuable diamine and aminonitro intermediates that are difficult to access by other routes, making 1,3-dinitrobenzene a key upstream building block in dye intermediate manufacture.
Is Meta Dinitrobenzene soluble in water?
It is practically insoluble in water. It is soluble in common organic solvents such as ethanol, benzene and acetone, consistent with its use as an intermediate handled largely under non-aqueous or catalytic reduction conditions.
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 for sensitive downstream applications.
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 strong reducing agents, strong oxidisers and open flame. Shelf life is 24 months from manufacture when storage conditions are maintained.
Is it hazardous to handle?
It is toxic if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, and is toxic to aquatic life, so it should be handled with dedicated PPE, dust control and adequate ventilation. Review the Safety Data Sheet and applicable local regulations before any handling operation.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Each batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering assay, moisture, melting range and appearance.