Meta Nitrotoluene
A high-purity nitrotoluene isomer, supplied as 3-nitrotoluene (MNT) for use as a nitro intermediate across dye manufacture.
What is Meta Nitrotoluene?
Meta Nitrotoluene, abbreviated MNT, is a pale yellow liquid built on a toluene ring carrying a methyl group at C-1 and a nitro group at C-3.
Like other nitro intermediates in our range, MNT sits a step upstream of the diazo chemistry used across the dye industry: the nitro group is selectively reduced to an amino group to generate meta-toluidine (m-toluidine), which is then diazotized and coupled for azo dye manufacture. Separated from the ortho and para isomers formed during toluene nitration, the meta isomer is purified specifically for this downstream role.
At Chelora Dyes, MNT is manufactured and packaged to a controlled assay and isomer purity, so the downstream reduction sequence runs cleanly and gives a consistent, reproducible product batch to batch.
- Appearance
- Pale yellow liquid
- Odour
- Faint, characteristic
- Solubility
- Ethanol, benzene, acetone
- Function
- Nitro intermediate
- Grade
- Technical / dye
Toluene ring with a meta nitro substituent
- Molecular formulaC7H7NO2
- Molecular weight137.14 g/mol
- IUPAC name1-Methyl-3-nitrobenzene
- Functional groupsNitro, alkyl
- 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 | Meta Nitrotoluene |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | MNT, 3-Nitrotoluene, m-Nitrotoluene |
| CAS number | 99-08-1 |
| Molecular formula | C7H7NO2 |
| Molecular weight | 137.14 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 98.0% |
| Appearance | Pale yellow liquid |
| Boiling point | 230–232°C |
| Freezing point | 15–16°C |
| Moisture content | ≤ 0.3% |
| Solubility | Practically insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, benzene and acetone |
| Packaging | Drums or IBC totes; bulk tanker on request |
| Shelf life | 24 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of Meta Nitrotoluene
Meta-toluidine synthesis
Selectively reduced to meta-toluidine for use as a diazo component in azo dye manufacture.
Azo dye precursor route
Feeds a common synthesis route into yellow, orange and red azo dyes used in textile dyeing and printing.
Rubber chemical intermediates
Used as a building block in the synthesis of certain rubber processing and vulcanisation chemicals.
Fine chemical intermediates
Supplies a nitrotoluene core for further condensation and specialty chemical synthesis.
Agrochemical intermediates
Applied in smaller volumes as a building block for specialty agrochemical synthesis.
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 isomer purity verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From standard drums to bulk tanker supply on request.
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.
- Segregate from strong reducing agents, strong oxidisers and combustible materials.
- Use compatible containers: drums or IBC totes rated for nitroaromatic liquids.
- Avoid release to drains or watercourses given its aquatic toxicity classification.
- Re-seal containers promptly after use to preserve assay specification.
Handling precautions
Meta Nitrotoluene is harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, and is toxic to aquatic organisms with long-lasting effects.
Use chemically resistant gloves, eye protection, and adequate ventilation during transfer and any bulk handling operation.
Keep away from open flame and sources of ignition, and away from strong reducing agents given the nitro functionality.
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 as a nitro intermediate, most commonly reduced to meta-toluidine, which is then diazotized and used as a diazo component in azo dye synthesis, and is also used in the manufacture of certain dyes, agrochemicals and rubber chemicals.
Why is the meta-nitrotoluene isomer significant?
Toluene nitration produces a mixture of ortho, meta and para isomers, and the meta isomer is separated and purified specifically because m-toluidine, its reduction product, has distinct coupling behaviour and is a standard building block in azo dye chemistry, unlike its ortho and para counterparts which serve different intermediate roles.
Is Meta Nitrotoluene 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 isomer purity held within tight limits. Higher assay grades can be manufactured to order for sensitive downstream applications.
What packaging is available?
Supplied in drums or IBC totes for liquid material, with bulk supply available in tanker quantities on request.
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 harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, and is toxic to aquatic life, so it should be handled with PPE, adequate ventilation and spill containment measures. 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, isomer purity and appearance.