Meta Nitrotoluene
A methyl-substituted nitrobenzene supplied as a reduction feedstock and dye intermediate, converting to meta-toluidine for further dye and rubber chemical synthesis.
What is Meta Nitrotoluene?
Meta Nitrotoluene is a yellow liquid built on a toluene ring carrying a nitro group in the 3 (meta) position relative to the methyl group.
The methyl group activates the ring while the meta-oriented nitro group reduces cleanly under standard conditions, giving a well-behaved route to meta-toluidine, which is used further upstream in dye, rubber chemical and agrochemical synthesis.
At Chelora Dyes, Meta Nitrotoluene is distilled and quality-checked to a controlled purity and low moisture level, so downstream reduction and coupling reactions run cleanly and give consistent, reproducible results batch to batch.
- Appearance
- Yellow liquid
- Odour
- Faint, characteristic
- Solubility
- Alcohol, ether, benzene
- Function
- Nitro intermediate
- Grade
- Technical / dye
Meta-nitrated toluene
- Molecular formulaC7H7NO2
- Molecular weight137.14 g/mol
- IUPAC name1-Methyl-3-nitrobenzene
- Functional groupsMethyl group, nitro group (meta)
- CAS number99-08-1
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Dyes' technical grade Meta Nitrotoluene. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | 1-Methyl-3-nitrobenzene |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Meta Nitrotoluene, MNT, m-Nitrotoluene, 3-Nitrotoluene |
| CAS number | 99-08-1 |
| Molecular formula | C7H7NO2 |
| Molecular weight | 137.14 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | Yellow liquid (may partly crystallise on cooling) |
| Melting point | 15–16°C |
| Boiling point | 231–233°C |
| Moisture content | ≤ 0.2% |
| Solubility | Practically insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, ether and benzene |
| Packaging | 170–200 kg drums, IBC and bulk tanker on request |
| Shelf life | 24 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of Meta Nitrotoluene
Reduction feedstock
Reduced to meta-toluidine for further dye, rubber chemical and agrochemical synthesis.
Azo & disperse dye chemistry
A nitro intermediate feeding chromophore-building reactions in dye manufacture.
Rubber chemical intermediates
Used as a building block in the synthesis of rubber antioxidant and accelerator intermediates.
Dye & pigment chemistry
Feeds intermediates used across dye, pigment and specialty colourant manufacture.
Agrochemical intermediates
Used as a synthesis intermediate in the manufacture of certain agrochemical actives.
Custom synthesis
Supplied to order for custom manufacturing and contract synthesis projects.
Why choose Chelora Dyes
Consistent purity
Assay controlled at ≥99.0% 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, and compliance guidance from our chemistry team.
Storage and guidelines
- Store in tightly sealed original drums in a dry environment.
- Keep in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat and open flame.
- Segregate strictly from reducing agents and strong oxidising agents.
- Warm gently before use if crystallisation has occurred in cold storage.
- Use compatible containers: lined steel drums or HDPE containers.
- Re-seal drums promptly after use to preserve purity specification.
Handling precautions
Meta Nitrotoluene is classified as toxic and a possible environmental hazard; contact, ingestion and inhalation should be strictly avoided.
Use adequate ventilation, vapour extraction where handled in volume, and PPE including chemically resistant gloves and goggles during transfer and bulk handling operations.
Keep away from reducing agents, strong oxidisers and sources of ignition.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, spill containment, disposal, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is Meta Nitrotoluene used for?
Meta Nitrotoluene is used chiefly as a nitro intermediate that is reduced to meta-toluidine for further dye, rubber chemical and agrochemical synthesis.
Why is the meta (1,3) substitution pattern useful here?
The nitro group positioned meta to the methyl group reduces cleanly under standard conditions, giving predictable, well-characterised conversion to meta-toluidine.
Is Meta Nitrotoluene soluble in water?
It is practically insoluble in water but is soluble in organic solvents such as alcohol, ether and benzene.
What purity do you supply?
Standard technical grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 99%, with moisture held within tight limits. Higher assay grades can be manufactured to order.
What packaging sizes are available?
170–200 kg drums as standard, with IBC and bulk tanker supply available on request.
How should it be stored, and for how long?
In sealed original drums in a cool, ventilated store away from reducing agents and strong oxidisers. Shelf life is 24 months from manufacture when storage conditions are maintained.
Is it hazardous to handle?
It is classified as toxic and a suspected environmental hazard and must be handled strictly according to its Safety Data Sheet, with adequate ventilation and appropriate PPE.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Each batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering assay, moisture and appearance.
