Ortho Dichlorobenzene
A high-purity chlorinated aromatic liquid supplied as nitration feedstock for dichloronitrobenzenes, a high-boiling process solvent, and an intermediate for dye and agrochemical manufacture.
What is Ortho Dichlorobenzene?
Ortho Dichlorobenzene — ODCB, or 1,2-dichlorobenzene — is a colourless liquid with chlorine atoms on adjacent ring carbons, obtained from the dichlorobenzene fraction produced when benzene or chlorobenzene is chlorinated.
It does two jobs. As a feedstock it is nitrated to the dichloronitrobenzenes, which are then reduced to the dichloroanilines that anchor herbicide and pigment manufacture. As a solvent it offers a high boiling point, thermal stability, and the ability to dissolve materials most solvents will not touch.
At Chelora Chemicals, ODCB is distilled with isomer content and moisture held to specification, since para isomer carry-over changes the nitration product distribution and complicates downstream separation.
- Appearance
- Clear, colourless liquid
- Odour
- Characteristic aromatic
- Solubility
- Practically insoluble in water; miscible with organic solvents
- Function
- Feedstock / process solvent
- Grade
- Technical
Formula diagram
Benzene ring with chlorine on adjacent carbons
- Molecular formulaC6H4Cl2
- Molecular weight147.00 g/mol
- IUPAC name1,2-Dichlorobenzene
- Functional groupsAryl chloride
- CAS number95-50-1
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical grade Ortho Dichlorobenzene. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | Ortho Dichlorobenzene |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | ODCB, 1,2-Dichlorobenzene, o-Dichlorobenzene |
| CAS number | 95-50-1 |
| Molecular formula | C6H4Cl2 |
| Molecular weight | 147.00 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.5% |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless liquid |
| Density (20°C) | 1.300–1.310 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | 180–181°C |
| Melting point | −17°C |
| Flash point | 66°C (closed cup) |
| Para isomer | ≤ 0.3% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.05% |
| Packaging | 250 kg drums, 1000 kg IBC, ISO tank, bulk tanker |
| Shelf life | 24 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of Ortho Dichlorobenzene
Nitration feedstock
Nitrated to 3,4- and 2,3-dichloronitrobenzene, the precursors to the dichloroanilines used in herbicide manufacture.
High-boiling solvent
Provides a stable reaction and processing medium well above the range of common solvents.
Dye & pigment intermediates
Feeds the chlorinated aromatic chain used throughout colour chemistry.
Industrial cleaning & degreasing
Applied in closed-system cleaning of engines, machinery, and process equipment.
Agrochemical synthesis
Serves as a starting material and reaction solvent in crop-protection manufacture.
Heat transfer & specialty fluids
Used in selected specialty formulations where thermal stability is required.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of Ortho Dichlorobenzene is manufactured, tested, and documented to a standard that formulators and process chemists can build on with confidence — from first sample to full production volume.
Consistent purity
Assay controlled at ≥99.5% with para isomer content and moisture verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 250 kg drums to IBC, ISO tank, and bulk road tanker supply.
Technical support
Process, handling, and compliance guidance from our chemistry team.
Storage and guidelines
- 01Store in tightly sealed original containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store.
- 02Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame; the product is combustible above its flash point of 66°C.
- 03Segregate from strong oxidising agents, strong bases, and active metals such as aluminium powder.
- 04Use compatible materials: carbon steel, stainless steel, or lined vessels; check elastomer seal compatibility.
- 05Earth and bond containers and lines during transfer to control static.
- 06Bund all bulk storage and prevent any release to drains, surface water, or soil.
Handling precautions
ODCB is harmful if swallowed or inhaled, causes skin and eye irritation, and is very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. It is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
Use closed transfer and local exhaust ventilation. Vapour concentrations rise quickly in heated operations, and the odour is not a reliable warning of hazardous levels.
Chlorinated aromatics decompose in a fire to produce hydrogen chloride and other hazardous combustion products. Fire-fighters require full breathing apparatus.
Nitration of this product is strongly exothermic and requires its own process risk assessment, cooling capacity, and relief design.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, spill containment, environmental precautions, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ortho Dichlorobenzene used for?
Chiefly as a nitration feedstock on the route to the dichloroanilines used in herbicides, and as a high-boiling process solvent and industrial cleaning fluid.
What does ODCB become downstream?
Nitration gives 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene as the major product and 2,3-dichloronitrobenzene as the minor one. Reducing those gives 3,4- and 2,3-dichloroaniline, which feed urea and anilide herbicide manufacture.
How do the three dichlorobenzene isomers differ?
All are C6H4Cl2 with a weight of 147.00. Para-DCB is a solid used in deodorant blocks and moth control; ODCB is the high-volume liquid solvent and nitration feedstock; meta-DCB is the scarce isomer used mainly for synthesis.
Why is para isomer content specified?
Para-DCB carried into a nitration produces a different dichloronitrobenzene that then has to be separated from the target product. Controlling it in the feed is far cheaper than removing it later.
Is it soluble in water?
Practically insoluble, and it is denser than water so a spill will sink rather than float. It is miscible with alcohols, ethers, and most organic solvents.
Why is it favoured as a high-boiling solvent?
It boils at 180°C, resists thermal and chemical attack, and dissolves waxes, resins, tars, and other difficult materials. That combination is hard to match with less hazardous solvents, which is why it persists in closed-system use.
What materials of construction are suitable?
Carbon steel, stainless steel, and lined vessels in normal service. Elastomer seals should be checked, since chlorinated aromatics swell many common rubbers.
What purity do you supply?
Standard technical grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 99.5% with para isomer at or below 0.3% and moisture at or below 0.05%. Tighter specifications can be produced to order.
What packaging is available?
250 kg drums, 1000 kg IBCs, ISO tanks, and bulk road tankers. Tanker deliveries require confirmed offloading procedures and receiving-tank compatibility.
Is ODCB regulated?
It carries workplace exposure limits and environmental controls in most jurisdictions, and some markets restrict certain consumer and open uses. Confirm your national requirements before ordering.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Every consignment ships with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering assay, isomer content, density, moisture, and appearance.