Herbicide intermediate
Methyl Ethyl Aniline (2,6-MEA) Supplier & Distributor in India & Worldwide
Chelora Agrochem is a trusted Methyl Ethyl Aniline (2,6-MEA) supplier and distributor in India, connecting buyers with high-purity material sourced from leading, quality-approved manufacturers. Our 2-Methyl-6-Ethylaniline meets 99% min purity with consistent quality, full documentation and reliable bulk supply across India and to buyers worldwide.
As a specialised distributor of chemical products, we do not manufacture in-house — instead we source only from reliable, audited manufacturers, giving you dependable material, competitive pricing and a single point of contact for all your MEA requirements, backed by COA, MSDS and TDS on every order.
- CAS number
- 24549-06-2
- Formula
- C9H13N
- Molecular weight
- 135.21 g/mol
- Purity
- 99% min
Quick product specifications
Methyl Ethyl Aniline at a glance
Identifiers, physical data and trade codes for 2,6-MEA. Batch-specific figures are confirmed on the Certificate of Analysis supplied with each consignment, in India and on export shipments alike.
- Chemical name
- 2-Methyl-6-Ethylaniline
- CAS number
- 24549-06-2
- Molecular formula
- C9H13N
- Molecular weight
- 135.21 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- 2-Ethyl-6-methylaniline
- HS code
- 2921 49 90
- UN number
- UN 2810Class 6.1, packing group III
- Appearance
- Clear colourless to light amber liquidMay darken on exposure to air and light
- Boiling point
- 231 °C
- Melting point
- −33 °C
- Density
- 0.968 g/mL at 25 °C
- Refractive index
- 1.552 (n20/D)
- Flash point
- ~89 °CClosed cup, combustible liquid
- Solubility
- Practically insoluble in waterMiscible with common organic solvents
- Purity
- 99% min
- Synonyms
- 2,6-MEA2-Ethyl-6-methylaniline · 6-Ethyl-o-toluidine · 3-Ethyl-2-aminotoluene
- Product form
- Liquid — drums, IBCs, ISO tanks
- Documentation
- COA, MSDS & TDSSupplied with every order
Product overview
What is Methyl Ethyl Aniline?
Methyl Ethyl Aniline (2,6-MEA) is an alkylated aromatic amine used mainly as the core intermediate for chloroacetanilide herbicides such as acetochlor, metolachlor and propisochlor. The methyl and ethyl groups flanking the amino group are what give these herbicides their characteristic structure and selectivity.
With the formula C9H13N (CAS 24549-06-2), MEA is a clear liquid with a pungent amine odour, insoluble in water and lighter than it. It is produced commercially from 3-ethyltoluene by nitration and catalytic hydrogenation, and also by ethylation of o-toluidine.
Because the amino group is shielded on both sides by alkyl substituents, MEA acylates cleanly and resists side reactions — which is why herbicide producers specify it by isomer profile and colour as closely as by assay.
How it is made
The main route starts from 3-ethyltoluene: nitration gives 2-ethyl-6-methylnitrobenzene, which is hydrogenated over a catalyst to the amine. An alternative route ethylates o-toluidine directly.
What that means for your process
- Reactive amino group for acylation with chloroacetyl chloride
- Fixed 2-methyl, 6-ethyl substitution for consistent downstream yield
- Isomer content controlled to grade, checked by GC
- Low moisture and low colour for stable storage and handling
Applications
What is Methyl Ethyl Aniline used for?
2,6-MEA is used almost entirely as a chemical intermediate. Its main applications, industry by industry, include:
Chloroacetanilide herbicides
The main use. MEA is the aniline backbone of the acetanilide family of pre-emergent herbicides.
- Core intermediate for acetochlor and metolachlor
- Also used for propisochlor, alachlor and butachlor
- Acylated with chloroacetyl chloride to the anilide
Polymers & specialty chemicals
Converted into sterically hindered carbodiimides used as hydrolysis stabilisers in polyurethane systems.
- Precursor for aromatic carbodiimides
- Used in RIM and cast polyurethane formulations
Dyes & fine chemicals
Specified by custom-synthesis houses that need a hindered, ortho-disubstituted aniline building block.
- Intermediate for dyes and fine chemicals
- Custom synthesis and research scale-up
Process route
How is Methyl Ethyl Aniline used in herbicide manufacturing?
MEA is the starting amine for the chloroacetanilide route. Its amino group is acylated with chloroacetyl chloride to form the chloroacetanilide, which is then alkoxymethylated to give the finished active — acetochlor, metolachlor or propisochlor, depending on the reagent used at the final step.
Methyl Ethyl Aniline
Charged as the aromatic amine. Assay and isomer profile decide downstream yield and purity.
C9H13NChloroacetylation
The amine is acylated with chloroacetyl chloride, with acid scavenging and cooling.
ClCH2COClChloroacetanilide
2-Chloro-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)acetamide, the shared backbone of the acetanilide family.
Anilide intermediateHerbicide active
Alkoxymethylation completes the molecule — acetochlor, metolachlor or propisochlor technical.
AcetochlorIn depth
Methyl Ethyl Aniline applications by industry
Below is a detailed breakdown of where 2,6-MEA is used and the role it plays in each downstream product.
| Industry | Typical downstream products | Role of 2,6-MEA |
|---|---|---|
| Herbicides | Acetochlor, metolachlor, propisochlor | Core intermediate |
| Herbicides (acetanilide family) | Alachlor, butachlor | Aniline backbone |
| Crop protection — other | Selected thiourea-type actives | Intermediate |
| Polymers | Hindered carbodiimides for polyurethane | Precursor |
| Dyes & fine chemicals | Custom molecules | Building block |
Safety
Is Methyl Ethyl Aniline hazardous?
Yes. 2,6-MEA is an aromatic amine that is harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled, and harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Like other alkylanilines it can cause cyanosis at high exposure, so containment matters. With correct PPE, ventilation and storage it is safely handled in industry.
MEA should be stored in sealed containers in a cool, dark, ventilated place away from heat, acids and oxidisers, and handled with gloves, goggles and respiratory protection. The material is air- and light-sensitive and will darken over time, so a nitrogen blanket is recommended for long storage. Prevent release to drains and waterways. A full MSDS is supplied with every order.
Signal word: Warning
Harmful by ingestion, skin contact and inhalation · harmful to aquatic life
Safe-handling essentials
- Gloves, goggles and a suitable vapour respirator at all times
- Work with local exhaust ventilation; avoid breathing vapour or mist
- Keep drums sealed, cool and out of direct light
- Blanket with nitrogen for extended storage to limit colour gain
- Store away from acids, oxidisers and isocyanates
- Never allow release to drains, soil or waterways
- Transport as UN 2810, class 6.1, packing group III
Grades
Methyl Ethyl Aniline grades & technical specifications
We supply 2,6-MEA in technical and high-purity grades to match herbicide, polymer and fine-chemical requirements.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Assay (purity) | 99% min |
| Appearance | Clear liquid, free from suspended matter |
| Colour | Colourless to light amber, as per grade |
| Density at 25 °C | 0.965 – 0.972 g/mL |
| Refractive index (n20/D) | 1.550 – 1.554 |
| Moisture | 0.5% max |
| Isomer purity | As per grade |
| Product form | Liquid — drums, IBCs, ISO tanks |
Note: Values are representative. Batch-specific figures are provided on the Certificate of Analysis (COA) supplied with each consignment.
Supply
Packaging, MOQ & supply
From trial quantities for process validation to repeat tanker loads on contract — packed, documented and dispatched to your plant in India or overseas.
Packaging
200 kg MS or HDPE drums, 1000 L IBCs, ISO tanks or tankers as per grade and quantity.
Minimum order quantity
Flexible — single drums for trials through to full-container and tanker loads.
Shelf life
Long shelf life in sealed, unopened drums stored cool and dark, ideally under nitrogen.
Dispatch
Pan-India dispatch and worldwide export with complete documentation and logistics support.
Why buy from us
Why choose Chelora as your MEA supplier?
As an established Methyl Ethyl Aniline supplier and distributor based in India and shipping worldwide, we work with a wide network of trusted manufacturers to combine consistent quality with dependable service. More about Chelora Agrochem.
High purity, every batch
99% min assay, sourced only from quality-approved manufacturers we have worked with and audited.
Full documentation
COA, MSDS and TDS travel with every order, so your QA and EHS teams are never chasing paperwork.
Reliable bulk supply, flexible MOQ
Drums for process trials through to repeat tanker loads on schedule.
Worldwide supply
Export-grade packing, documentation and on-time dispatch to plants across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and the Americas.
Technical & safe-handling support
Guidance on storage, nitrogen blanketing, PPE and process fit from a team that knows aromatic amines.
One point of contact
Source MEA alongside your other intermediates — one enquiry, one team, one invoice.
Ordering
How to order Methyl Ethyl Aniline from Chelora
Ordering is simple and fast — most enquiries are answered with pricing and availability within 24 hours.
- 1
Send your enquiry
Tell us the grade, quantity and application you are buying for.
- 2
Receive a quotation
We send pricing along with the COA and MSDS for your review.
- 3
Request a sample
Test suitability for your process before you commit to a bulk order.
- 4
Confirm the order
Lock in quantity, packaging and delivery preference.
- 5
Dispatch & tracking
We dispatch with full documentation and keep you updated until delivery.
Documentation
Methyl Ethyl Aniline MSDS & COA
A summary of key safety information and a representative Certificate of Analysis. The complete 16-section Safety Data Sheet and the actual batch COA are supplied with each shipment — and both are sent with your quotation when you ask for a quote.
Safety data summary (MSDS)
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Hazard classification | Acute toxicity cat. 4 (oral / dermal / inhalation); harmful to aquatic life, long-lasting effects |
| Signal word | Warning |
| First aid — inhalation | Move to fresh air; seek medical help |
| First aid — skin | Remove clothing; wash with soap & water |
| First aid — eyes | Rinse with water; get medical advice |
| Handling | Use PPE; avoid vapour and mist; ventilate |
| Storage | Cool, dark, sealed; away from heat, acids & oxidisers |
| Stability | Air- and light-sensitive; darkens on exposure |
| Environment | Prevent release to drains / waterways |
| Transport | UN 2810; class 6.1; packing group III |
Certificate of Analysis (representative)
| Test parameter | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Assay (purity) | 99% min | GC |
| Appearance | Clear liquid | Visual |
| Colour | As per grade | APHA |
| Density at 25 °C | 0.965 – 0.972 g/mL | Density meter |
| Refractive index | 1.550 – 1.554 | Refractometer |
| Moisture | 0.5% max | Karl Fischer |
The actual batch COA is supplied with each shipment.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from buyers specifying Methyl Ethyl Aniline for herbicide, polymer and fine-chemical production.
What is Methyl Ethyl Aniline used for?
2,6-MEA is used mainly as the core intermediate for chloroacetanilide herbicides such as acetochlor, metolachlor and propisochlor, and also in hindered carbodiimides for polyurethane systems and in dye and fine-chemical synthesis.
What is the CAS number of Methyl Ethyl Aniline?
The CAS number is 24549-06-2 and the molecular formula is C9H13N. It is also known as 2,6-MEA, 2-ethyl-6-methylaniline or 6-ethyl-o-toluidine.
Which herbicides are made from MEA?
Acetochlor and metolachlor are the largest volume products, along with propisochlor, alachlor and butachlor — all built on the same chloroacetanilide backbone.
Is Methyl Ethyl Aniline hazardous?
It is classed as harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled, and harmful to aquatic life. It must be handled with proper PPE, ventilation and containment; we supply a full MSDS with every order.
What is the difference between 2,6-MEA and 2,6-diethylaniline?
Both are ortho-dialkylated anilines used for acetanilide herbicides, but MEA carries one methyl and one ethyl group while DEA carries two ethyl groups. MEA is the route to acetochlor and metolachlor; DEA is used mainly for alachlor, butachlor and pretilachlor.
How should MEA be stored?
In sealed drums or tanks in a cool, dark, well-ventilated store, away from acids and oxidisers. The material is air- and light-sensitive, so a nitrogen blanket is recommended if it will be held for long periods.
Do you provide COA and MSDS for MEA?
Yes, we provide a batch-specific COA and MSDS with every order, plus technical support on request.
Do you supply and export Methyl Ethyl Aniline?
Yes, we supply MEA across India and export internationally with complete documentation, sourced from reliable manufacturers.
Request a quote or sample
Need a reliable MEA supplier?
Looking for a dependable Methyl Ethyl Aniline (2,6-MEA) supplier and distributor — in India or anywhere we export to? Tell us the grade and quantity you need — our team responds with competitive bulk pricing, samples and complete documentation (COA, MSDS, TDS) within 24 hours.
Or email source@cheloraagrochem.com