Meta Toluidine
A high-purity methylated aromatic amine supplied for dye and pigment intermediate manufacture, pharmaceutical synthesis, and specialty chemistry.
What is Meta Toluidine?
Meta Toluidine — MT, or 3-methylaniline — is a colourless to pale yellow liquid with a methyl group in the meta position relative to the amino group. It darkens on exposure to air and light.
It is the scarcest of the three toluidines. Nitrating toluene strongly favours the ortho and para positions, so the meta isomer is produced only in small quantity and separated with more effort, which is reflected in its price and availability.
At Chelora Chemicals, MT is distilled to a controlled isomer profile and low colour, with moisture held to specification, giving dye and pharmaceutical intermediate users reproducible behaviour between batches.
- Appearance
- Colourless to pale yellow liquid
- Odour
- Characteristic amine odour
- Solubility
- Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol, ether, dilute acid
- Function
- Chemical intermediate
- Grade
- Technical
Formula diagram
Aniline ring with a methyl group in the meta position
- Molecular formulaC7H9N
- Molecular weight107.15 g/mol
- IUPAC name3-Methylaniline
- Functional groupsPrimary aromatic amine, alkyl
- CAS number108-44-1
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical grade Meta Toluidine. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | Meta Toluidine |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | MT, 3-Methylaniline, m-Toluidine, 3-Aminotoluene |
| CAS number | 108-44-1 |
| Molecular formula | C7H9N |
| Molecular weight | 107.15 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless to pale yellow liquid |
| Density (20°C) | 0.985–0.995 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | 203–204°C |
| Melting point | −30°C |
| Flash point | 86°C (closed cup) |
| Isomer content | ≤ 0.5% |
| Water content | ≤ 0.2% |
| Packaging | 200 kg drums, 1000 kg IBC |
| Shelf life | 12 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of Meta Toluidine
Dye intermediates
Diazotised or condensed to form colour intermediates for azo dye manufacture.
Organic pigments
Used where the meta substitution pattern is needed in a pigment intermediate.
Pharmaceutical intermediates
Provides a meta-methylated aniline core for amide and heterocyclic building blocks.
Agrochemical intermediates
Applied in crop-protection routes requiring a meta-substituted toluidine.
Rubber chemicals
Feeds amine-based antioxidant and accelerator synthesis.
Specialty chemicals
Used in optical brightener and specialty amine derivative manufacture.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of Meta Toluidine 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% with isomer content, colour, and water verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 200 kg drums to IBC quantities, with samples on request.
Technical support
Process, handling, and compliance guidance from our chemistry team.
Storage and guidelines
- 01Store in tightly sealed original containers under a dry, inert atmosphere where possible.
- 02Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store away from direct sunlight and heat.
- 03Protect from air and light — toluidines darken on oxidation.
- 04Segregate from strong oxidising agents, acids, and acid chlorides.
- 05Use compatible containers: lined steel, stainless steel, or HDPE.
- 06Prevent any release to drains, surface water, or soil.
Handling precautions
Meta toluidine is toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. It is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
Aromatic amines are readily absorbed through intact skin and form methaemoglobin, reducing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. Chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, and eye protection are required.
Use closed transfer and local exhaust ventilation for decanting, charging, and heated operations.
The product is toxic to aquatic life. Contain all spills and dispose of waste through licensed routes.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, spill response, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is Meta Toluidine used for?
It is an intermediate for dye and pigment chemistry, pharmaceutical and agrochemical building blocks, and rubber chemicals, used where the meta substitution pattern is specifically required.
Why is the meta isomer scarcer than ortho and para?
Because of directing effects. The methyl group on toluene directs nitration to the ortho and para positions, so only a small fraction of the meta isomer forms. That scarcity carries through to the toluidine and is reflected in price.
How does MT differ from OT and PT?
All three are C7H9N with a weight of 107.15 and differ only in methyl position. MT and OT are liquids, PT is a solid melting near 44°C. Each gives different shades and reactivity, so they are not interchangeable.
Is the carcinogen classification the same as for ortho toluidine?
No. Ortho toluidine carries a considerably stricter carcinogen classification than the meta isomer. That said, all aromatic amines of this class warrant careful exposure control, and you should work from the Safety Data Sheet for the specific isomer you are handling.
Why does the liquid darken during storage?
Aromatic amines oxidise on contact with air and light. Assay is generally unaffected, but nitrogen-blanketed, cool, dark storage preserves colour for shade-sensitive work.
Is it soluble in water?
Only slightly in neutral water. It dissolves readily in alcohols, ether, and dilute mineral acid, and acid dissolution precedes diazotisation.
What purity do you supply?
Standard technical grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 99% with isomer content at or below 0.5% and water at or below 0.2%. Tighter specifications can be produced to order.
What packaging sizes are available?
200 kg drums and 1000 kg IBCs, with samples available for trial work.
How long can it be stored?
12 months from manufacture in sealed original packaging under the recommended conditions. Colour will develop over time even when assay holds.
Is MT hazardous?
Yes. It is toxic by several routes, absorbed through skin, and toxic to aquatic life. Engineering controls, PPE, and the Safety Data Sheet should be reviewed before handling.
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, density, colour, water content, and appearance.