Nitrobenzene
A high-purity aromatic nitro compound, supplied as nitrobenzene (NB), used as the principal feedstock reduced to aniline for the dye, pigment and rubber-chemical industries.
What is Nitrobenzene?
Nitrobenzene, abbreviated NB, is a pale yellow oily liquid built on a benzene ring carrying a single nitro group at C-1, with a characteristic sweet, almond-like odour reminiscent of shoe polish.
Its primary industrial role is as the feedstock for aniline: catalytic hydrogenation reduces the nitro group to a primary amine, and that aniline in turn becomes the entry point for a very large share of the dye, pigment, rubber-accelerator and agrochemical intermediates produced worldwide, including many of the substituted anilines used elsewhere in azo and pigment chemistry.
At Chelora Dyes, nitrobenzene is distilled and stabilised to a controlled colour and moisture specification, so downstream hydrogenation and other conversions run cleanly and give a consistent, reproducible feedstock batch to batch.
- Appearance
- Pale yellow oily liquid
- Odour
- Sweet, almond-like
- Solubility
- Alcohol, ether, benzene
- Function
- Aniline feedstock
- Grade
- Technical / hydrogenation
Benzene ring with a single nitro substituent
- Molecular formulaC6H5NO2
- Molecular weight123.11 g/mol
- IUPAC nameNitrobenzene
- Functional groupsAromatic nitro group
- 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) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | Pale yellow oily liquid |
| Boiling point | 210–211°C |
| Density (20°C) | 1.203 g/mL |
| Moisture content | ≤ 0.1% |
| Colour (APHA) | ≤ 30 |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water; miscible with alcohol, ether and benzene |
| Packaging | 200 kg / 225 kg drums, 1000 L IBC totes, ISO tank / bulk tanker |
| Shelf life | 24 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of Nitrobenzene
Aniline production
Catalytically hydrogenated to aniline, the primary feedstock for dye, pigment and rubber-chemical manufacture.
Dye & pigment intermediates
Underpins the wider aniline-derived family of azo and pigment intermediates used across the industry.
Cellulose ether solvent
Used as a processing solvent in some cellulose ether and lacquer formulations.
Fine chemical intermediates
Serves as a starting material for a range of nitro- and amino-aromatic fine chemical syntheses.
Polish & finishing formulations
Used in small volumes as a component of some metal and shoe polish formulations.
Analytical reagents
Used as a reference reagent in analytical and research-scale organic chemistry.
Why choose Chelora Dyes
Consistent purity
Assay controlled at ≥99% with moisture and colour verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From drums to IBC totes, ISO tanks and bulk tanker.
Technical support
Process, hydrogenation, and compliance guidance from our chemistry team.
Storage and guidelines
- Store in tightly sealed original drums, totes or tanks in a dry environment.
- Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Keep containers closed when not in use to limit air and moisture exposure.
- Segregate from strong oxidising agents, reducing agents and combustible materials.
- Use compatible containers: steel or lined drums, totes and tanks.
- Re-seal containers promptly after use and follow site procedures for toxic-liquid handling.
Handling precautions
Nitrobenzene is toxic if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, and significant exposure is associated with methemoglobinemia, so it should be handled only with appropriate PPE and, where practical, closed-system transfer.
Use chemically resistant gloves, eye and face protection, and adequate ventilation during transfer, charging, and any bulk handling operation.
Keep away from open flame and sources of ignition, and away from strong oxidisers. The substance is also classified as hazardous to aquatic life, so avoid release to drains or watercourses.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, monitoring requirements, spill containment, disposal, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nitrobenzene used for?
Nitrobenzene is chiefly used as the base material that is catalytically hydrogenated to aniline, the entry point for most dye, pigment and rubber-chemical manufacturing routes. It is also used as a solvent in some cellulose ether and polish formulations.
How does Nitrobenzene become aniline?
The nitro group on the ring is reduced, typically by catalytic hydrogenation, converting it to a primary amino group and yielding aniline. Aniline is then the starting material for a very wide range of dye and pigment intermediates, including many of the anilines used elsewhere in our range.
Is Nitrobenzene soluble in water?
It is only slightly soluble in water. It is miscible with most organic solvents, including alcohol, ether and benzene.
What purity do you supply?
Standard technical grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 99.0%, with moisture and colour held within tight limits. Higher-purity grades suitable for hydrogenation feedstock can be manufactured to order.
How is Nitrobenzene packaged and shipped?
As a liquid, it is supplied in 200 kg / 225 kg net drums, with bulk supply available in 1000 L IBC totes, ISO tank containers or rail/road tanker for large volumes.
How should it be stored, and for how long?
In tightly sealed original containers or tanks in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store away from direct sunlight, heat, and strong oxidising or reducing agents. Shelf life is 24 months from manufacture when storage conditions are maintained.
Is it hazardous to handle?
Nitrobenzene is toxic if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, can cause methemoglobinemia on significant exposure, and is classified as hazardous to aquatic life. It should be handled only with appropriate PPE, closed-system transfer where possible, 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, colour and density.
