Para Nitro Toluene
A high-purity nitroaromatic supplied in flake and molten form as the precursor to para toluidine and as an intermediate for dye, pigment, and agrochemical manufacture.
What is Para Nitro Toluene?
Para Nitro Toluene — PNT, or 4-nitrotoluene — is a pale yellow crystalline solid produced by nitrating toluene and separating the para isomer from the ortho and meta fractions.
The molecule offers two independent reaction sites. The nitro group can be reduced to an amine, giving para toluidine, and the methyl group can be oxidised to a carboxylic acid or aldehyde. Both routes are worked commercially, which is why PNT feeds several distinct chains from a single feedstock.
At Chelora Chemicals, PNT is crystallised and refined with isomer content, melting range, and moisture held to specification, so that reduction and oxidation steps downstream run to predictable yield and colour.
- Appearance
- Pale yellow crystalline flakes
- Odour
- Faint, sweetish aromatic
- Solubility
- Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, ether, benzene
- Function
- Chemical intermediate
- Grade
- Technical
Formula diagram
Methyl and nitro groups in para positions
- Molecular formulaC7H7NO2
- Molecular weight137.14 g/mol
- IUPAC name4-Nitrotoluene
- Functional groupsNitro, alkyl
- CAS number99-99-0
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical grade Para Nitro Toluene. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | Para Nitro Toluene |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | PNT, 4-Nitrotoluene, p-Nitrotoluene |
| CAS number | 99-99-0 |
| Molecular formula | C7H7NO2 |
| Molecular weight | 137.14 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.5% |
| Appearance | Pale yellow crystalline flakes or molten liquid |
| Melting point | 51–54°C |
| Boiling point | 238°C |
| Flash point | 106°C (closed cup) |
| Ortho isomer | ≤ 0.3% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.1% |
| Packaging | 25 kg bags, 500 kg jumbo bags, molten tanker |
| Shelf life | 24 months from date of manufacture |
Applications of Para Nitro Toluene
Para toluidine production
Reduced to para toluidine, a classical azo colour base and rubber chemical intermediate.
Dye intermediates
Feeds azo dye chemistry through the toluidine and nitrotoluene sulfonic acid routes.
Organic pigments
Supports pigment intermediate manufacture requiring a methyl-substituted aromatic core.
Oxidation products
The methyl group is oxidised to p-nitrobenzoic acid and p-nitrobenzaldehyde for fine chemical synthesis.
Agrochemical intermediates
Used in crop-protection routes built on nitrotoluene chemistry.
Pharmaceutical intermediates
Applied where a para-substituted toluene core is required in API synthesis.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of Para Nitro Toluene 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
Para-isomer assay controlled at ≥99.5% with ortho content verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 25 kg bags to jumbo bags and molten tanker supply.
Technical support
Process, handling, and compliance guidance from our chemistry team.
Storage and guidelines
- 01Store in tightly closed original packaging in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store.
- 02Keep below 40°C — the product melts near 52°C and cakes in hot storage.
- 03Keep away from heat, sparks, open flame, and direct sunlight.
- 04Segregate from strong oxidising agents, strong bases, and reducing agents.
- 05Molten product requires dedicated heated lines, temperature control, and extraction at charge points.
- 06Prevent release to drains, surface water, and soil; the product is toxic to aquatic life.
Handling precautions
PNT is toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption, and can cause damage to organs through prolonged exposure. It is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
Absorbed material forms methaemoglobin, reducing the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, eye protection, and respiratory protection are required.
Control dust during bag emptying and charging, and use local exhaust ventilation for melting, transfer, and charging operations.
Nitroaromatics can decompose exothermically if overheated. Melting and drying should be temperature-controlled and never taken above the recommended handling range.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, medical surveillance, spill response, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is Para Nitro Toluene used for?
Its main outlet is reduction to para toluidine for dye, pigment, and rubber chemical manufacture. The methyl group is also oxidised to p-nitrobenzoic acid and p-nitrobenzaldehyde for fine chemical synthesis.
How is PNT manufactured?
By nitrating toluene, which gives a mixture dominated by the ortho and para isomers. These are separated by crystallisation and distillation, so isomer purity is a key specification and a key cost driver.
Why does nitration of toluene favour ortho and para?
The methyl group is an electron-donating, ortho/para directing substituent. It activates those positions toward electrophilic attack, so the meta isomer forms only in small amounts.
What is the relationship between PNT and para toluidine?
PNT is the nitro compound; para toluidine is what you get by reducing it. Many producers run both steps on the same site, and PNT isomer purity sets the ceiling on the amine's purity.
Can both functional groups be used?
Yes, and that is what makes PNT versatile. The nitro group reduces to an amine and the methyl group oxidises to an aldehyde or acid. Which route is taken depends on the target, and both are worked at commercial scale.
Is it soluble in water?
No. It is practically insoluble in water but dissolves readily in alcohols, ether, acetone, and aromatic solvents.
Can it be supplied molten?
Yes. With a melting point around 52°C, molten supply in heated tankers is common for bulk users and avoids dust exposure. The receiving site needs dedicated heated lines and temperature control.
What purity do you supply?
Standard technical grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 99.5% with ortho isomer at or below 0.3% and moisture at or below 0.1%. Tighter specifications can be produced to order.
What packaging sizes are available?
25 kg bags, 500 kg jumbo bags, and molten product in heated tankers. Samples are available for trial work.
Is PNT hazardous?
Yes. It is acutely toxic by several routes, absorbed through skin, harmful to organs on repeated exposure, and toxic to aquatic life. Trained personnel, dust control, and full PPE are required per the Safety Data Sheet.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Every batch is dispatched with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering assay, isomer content, melting range, moisture, and appearance.