Nitrobenzene
An aromatic nitro compound supplied as nitrobenzene (NB), used as a base material for the aniline production route that underpins dye and pigment intermediate manufacture.
What is Nitrobenzene?
Nitrobenzene, abbreviated NB, is a pale yellow oily liquid with a characteristic faint almond-like odour, consisting of a benzene ring carrying a single nitro group.
Its principal significance to dye and pigment manufacture is as the base material for the aniline production route: catalytic or chemical reduction of the nitro group converts nitrobenzene to aniline, the parent building block for a wide range of downstream aniline, toluidine and dinitroaniline intermediates used across azo dye and pigment chemistry.
At Chelora Dyes, nitrobenzene is refined to a controlled assay and colour so it performs consistently as feedstock in reduction and further nitration chemistry.
- Appearance
- Pale yellow oily liquid
- Odour
- Faint, almond-like
- Solubility
- Slightly soluble in water
- Function
- Base material (aniline route)
- Grade
- Technical / industrial
Benzene ring with a single nitro substituent
- Molecular formulaC6H5NO2
- Molecular weight123.11 g/mol
- IUPAC nameNitrobenzene
- Functional groupsNitro
- CAS number98-95-3
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Dyes' technical grade Nitrobenzene. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | Nitrobenzene |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | NB, Oil of Mirbane, Nitrobenzol |
| CAS number | 98-95-3 |
| Molecular formula | C6H5NO2 |
| Molecular weight | 123.11 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.5% |
| Appearance | Pale yellow oily liquid |
| Freezing point | Approx. 5–6°C |
| Boiling point | Approx. 210–211°C |
| Density (20°C) | Approx. 1.20 g/cm³ |
| Moisture content | ≤ 0.1% |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water; miscible with alcohols, ethers, benzene |
| Packaging | 200 kg drums; bulk IBC and tanker on request |
| Shelf life | 24 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of Nitrobenzene
Aniline production
Reduced to aniline, the parent feedstock for a wide range of dye, pigment and rubber-chemical intermediates.
Aniline & toluidine derivatives
Feeds indirectly into the aniline, toluidine and dinitroaniline intermediates used in azo dye synthesis.
Polyurethane precursor chemistry
Used as feedstock in the broader route to MDI and related polyurethane raw materials.
Solvent applications
Applied as a high-boiling solvent in select industrial formulations.
Shoe & metal polish fragrance
Used in small volumes as a masking fragrance component in some polish formulations.
Analytical reagents
Used as a laboratory reagent and reference standard in nitro-compound chemistry.
Why choose Chelora Dyes
Consistent purity
Assay controlled at ≥99.5% with moisture and colour verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 200 kg drums to bulk IBC and tanker quantities.
Technical support
Process, reduction, and compliance guidance from our chemistry team.
Storage and guidelines
- Store in tightly sealed original containers away from moisture.
- Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Store away from ignition sources and strong reducing agents.
- Segregate from strong oxidising agents, acids and combustible materials.
- Use compatible containers: lined steel drums or tanks.
- Re-seal drums promptly after use to preserve assay and colour specification.
Handling precautions
Nitrobenzene is toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin, and is suspected of causing harm with repeated or prolonged exposure.
Use chemically resistant gloves, eye and face protection, and adequate ventilation during transfer and charging operations.
Provide local exhaust ventilation where vapour generation is likely, and keep away from open flame, sources of ignition, and strong reducing agents.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, spill containment, disposal, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nitrobenzene used for?
Nitrobenzene is primarily used as the base material for producing aniline by reduction, which in turn feeds a wide range of dye, pigment and polyurethane-chemical intermediates.
Why is Nitrobenzene significant to the aniline route?
Catalytic or chemical reduction of the nitro group converts nitrobenzene into aniline, the parent building block for numerous downstream aromatic amine intermediates used in dye and pigment manufacture.
Is Nitrobenzene soluble in water?
It is only slightly soluble in water but is miscible with organic solvents such as alcohols, ethers and benzene.
What purity do you supply?
Standard technical grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 99.5%, with moisture and colour held within tight limits.
What packaging sizes are available?
200 kg drums as standard, with bulk supply available in IBC totes and tanker quantities on request.
How should it be stored, and for how long?
In sealed original containers in a cool, dry, ventilated store away from ignition sources, oxidisers and reducing agents. 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 skin, so it should be handled with PPE and adequate ventilation. Review the Safety Data Sheet 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, and appearance.