Ortho Dichlorobenzene
A high-purity chlorinated aromatic solvent, supplied as Ortho Dichlorobenzene (ODCB), used as a process solvent and as a precursor to dye and agrochemical intermediates.
What is Ortho Dichlorobenzene?
Ortho Dichlorobenzene, abbreviated ODCB, is a colourless to pale yellow liquid built on a benzene ring carrying two chlorine atoms in the ortho position, with a pleasant, aromatic, naphthalene-like odour.
Its primary industrial role is as a high-boiling process solvent and as the feedstock for nitration to dichloronitrobenzene, an intermediate that in turn underpins a range of dye and agrochemical syntheses, sitting alongside other chlorinated aromatics used across the industry.
At Chelora Dyes, ortho dichlorobenzene is distilled and stabilised to a controlled colour and moisture specification, so downstream nitration and solvent applications run cleanly and give a consistent, reproducible feedstock batch to batch.
- Appearance
- Colourless to pale yellow liquid
- Odour
- Pleasant, aromatic
- Solubility
- Miscible with organic solvents
- Function
- Solvent / nitration feedstock
- Grade
- Technical / solvent grade
Benzene ring with two ortho chlorine substituents
- Molecular formulaC6H4Cl2
- Molecular weight147.00 g/mol
- IUPAC name1,2-Dichlorobenzene
- Functional groupsTwo aryl chlorides
- CAS number95-50-1
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Dyes' technical grade Ortho Dichlorobenzene. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | Ortho Dichlorobenzene |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | ODCB, o-Dichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichlorobenzene |
| CAS number | 95-50-1 |
| Molecular formula | C6H4Cl2 |
| Molecular weight | 147.00 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | Colourless to pale yellow liquid |
| Boiling point | 178–180°C |
| Density (20°C) | 1.30 g/mL |
| Moisture content | ≤ 0.05% |
| Colour (APHA) | ≤ 20 |
| Solubility | Very slightly soluble in water; miscible with most organic solvents |
| Packaging | 200 kg / 225 kg drums, 1000 L IBC totes, ISO tank / bulk tanker |
| Shelf life | 24 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of Ortho Dichlorobenzene
Dichloronitrobenzene precursor
Nitrated to dichloronitrobenzene, an intermediate for dye and agrochemical synthesis.
Industrial process solvent
High-boiling solvent for resins, waxes, oils, and certain synthesis and extraction steps.
Degreasing solvent
Used in metal cleaning and degreasing formulations across industrial settings.
Herbicide intermediates
Building block for select chlorinated agrochemical active ingredients.
Heat transfer fluids
Component of some high-temperature heat transfer fluid 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, nitration, 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 vapour loss and air exposure.
- Segregate from strong oxidising agents and sources of ignition; combustible above flash point.
- Use compatible containers: steel or lined drums, totes and tanks.
- Re-seal containers promptly after use and follow site procedures for combustible-liquid handling.
Handling precautions
Ortho Dichlorobenzene is toxic by inhalation and ingestion, 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; combustion and thermal decomposition can release hydrogen chloride and related chloro-carbons. 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 Ortho Dichlorobenzene used for?
ODCB is chiefly used as an industrial solvent and as a precursor to dichloronitrobenzene, an intermediate used in dye and agrochemical manufacture.
Is Ortho Dichlorobenzene soluble in water?
It is only very slightly soluble in water but is miscible with most common organic solvents.
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.
How is Ortho Dichlorobenzene 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 agents. Shelf life is 24 months from manufacture when storage conditions are maintained.
Is it hazardous to handle?
Ortho Dichlorobenzene is toxic by inhalation and ingestion, combustible, and classified as hazardous to aquatic life. It should be handled only with appropriate PPE, adequate ventilation, and away from ignition sources. 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.
