Meta Dinitrobenzene
A high-purity dinitroaromatic supplied as the precursor to meta nitroaniline and meta phenylenediamine for dye and polymer manufacture.
What is Meta Dinitrobenzene?
Meta Dinitrobenzene — MDNB, or 1,3-dinitrobenzene — is a pale yellow crystalline solid produced by nitrating nitrobenzene. The first nitro group directs the second to the meta position, which is why this isomer dominates the product.
It is used almost entirely as a precursor. Partial reduction gives meta nitroaniline and full reduction gives meta phenylenediamine, the monomer behind meta-aramid fibres and aromatic epoxy curing agents.
At Chelora Chemicals, MDNB is crystallised and refined with isomer content and moisture held to specification. It is among the more hazardous products in this range, combining high acute toxicity with the thermal sensitivity common to dinitroaromatics.
- Appearance
- Pale yellow crystalline flakes
- Odour
- Faint, characteristic
- Solubility
- Practically insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, acetone, benzene
- Function
- Chemical intermediate
- Grade
- Technical
Formula diagram
Two nitro groups in the meta relationship
- Molecular formulaC6H4N2O4
- Molecular weight168.11 g/mol
- IUPAC name1,3-Dinitrobenzene
- Functional groupsNitro
- CAS number99-65-0
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical grade Meta Dinitrobenzene. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | Meta Dinitrobenzene |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | MDNB, 1,3-Dinitrobenzene, m-Dinitrobenzene |
| CAS number | 99-65-0 |
| Molecular formula | C6H4N2O4 |
| Molecular weight | 168.11 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | Pale yellow crystalline flakes |
| Melting point | 89–90°C |
| Boiling point | 297–300°C |
| Isomer content | ≤ 0.5% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.2% |
| Packaging | 25 kg bags, 200 kg drums |
| Shelf life | 24 months from date of manufacture |
Applications of Meta Dinitrobenzene
Meta nitroaniline production
Partially reduced to m-nitroaniline, a dye and pigment intermediate.
Meta phenylenediamine route
Fully reduced to MPDA, the monomer for meta-aramid fibres and epoxy curing agents.
Dye intermediates
Feeds azo dye chemistry through the nitroaniline and diamine routes.
Polymer intermediates
Supports high-performance polymer manufacture via the diamine route.
Corrosion inhibitors
Applied in specialty inhibitor and additive synthesis.
Analytical standards
Supplied as a reference material for nitroaromatic testing.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of Meta Dinitrobenzene 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 and moisture verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 25 kg bags to 200 kg drums.
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 well below the melting range and never heat above the recommended handling temperature.
- 03Keep away from heat, sparks, open flame, and direct sunlight.
- 04Segregate from strong bases, reducing agents, and strong oxidising agents.
- 05Control dust rigorously and avoid skin contact at every transfer point.
- 06Store in a locked or access-controlled area away from food, feed, and drinking water.
Handling precautions
MDNB is fatal or toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption, damages organs through prolonged exposure, and is suspected of damaging fertility. It is one of the more acutely hazardous products in this range and is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
It is readily absorbed through intact skin and causes methaemoglobin formation. Skin absorption can be the dominant exposure route, so glove selection with verified breakthrough data and immediate decontamination on contact are essential.
Dinitroaromatics store considerable energy and can decompose exothermically if overheated or contaminated. Melting, drying, and heated processing require documented thermal assessment and temperature control with independent trip protection.
Alcohol consumption increases susceptibility to poisoning by nitroaromatics of this class and should be covered in pre-work briefing.
Health surveillance for exposed workers may be required under your national regulations. Confirm before beginning work with this product.
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 Meta Dinitrobenzene used for?
Almost entirely as a precursor. Partial reduction gives m-nitroaniline for dye chemistry, and full reduction gives m-phenylenediamine for meta-aramid fibres and epoxy curing agents.
How is MDNB manufactured?
By nitrating nitrobenzene. The nitro group already present is a meta director, so the second nitro group enters the meta position and the 1,3 isomer dominates the product.
Why is the meta isomer the main product?
Because nitro groups are meta-directing and strongly deactivating. Unlike toluene or chlorobenzene, which give ortho and para products, nitrobenzene sends the incoming electrophile to the meta position almost exclusively.
What is the relationship between MDNB and MPDA?
MDNB is the dinitro compound and MPDA is the diamine you get by reducing both nitro groups. Both are supplied in this range, and MDNB purity sets the ceiling on what the diamine can achieve.
Is it soluble in water?
Practically insoluble. It dissolves in alcohols, acetone, and benzene, so downstream chemistry runs in organic media.
Why is it treated as more hazardous than other nitroaromatics here?
Two nitro groups raise both acute toxicity and thermal sensitivity. It is acutely toxic by several routes, readily skin-absorbed, suspected of damaging fertility, and capable of exothermic decomposition if overheated.
What are the thermal hazards?
Dinitroaromatics store significant energy. Overheating or contamination can initiate exothermic decomposition, so any melting or drying step needs temperature control with independent trip protection and a documented thermal assessment.
Why does alcohol consumption matter?
Alcohol increases susceptibility to poisoning by nitroaromatics of this class and can worsen the effects of an exposure. Many sites include this in the pre-work briefing for anyone handling the product.
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 moisture at or below 0.2%. Tighter specifications can be produced to order.
What packaging sizes are available?
25 kg bags and 200 kg drums. Supply is subject to confirmation of the receiving site's handling capability and regulatory position.
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.