Meta Chloro Aniline (MCA / 3-Chloroaniline) | CAS 108-42-9 | Chelora Agrochem

Aromatic Amine Intermediate · CAS 108-42-9

Meta Chloro Aniline (MCA)

Name: Meta Chloro Aniline (MCA)
Brand: Chelora Agrochem
SKU: CHL-MCA
Availability: InStock

High-purity 3-chloroaniline — the essential azo dye building block and versatile amine intermediate for dyes, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals.

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SKU: CHL-MCA · HS Code: 2921 42 90 · UN 2019, Class 6.1, PG II

CAS Number108-42-9

Purity≥ 99.0% (GC)

Mol. Weight127.57 g/mol

AppearanceColorless–Pale Brownish Liquid

Boiling Point228–230 °C

Flash Point~100 °C (c.c.)

Density (20 °C)1.216 g/cm³

UN TransportUN 2019

Product Overview

What is Meta Chloro Aniline?

Meta Chloro Aniline — systematically named 3-chloroaniline and commercially abbreviated MCA — is an aromatic primary amine in which a chlorine atom occupies the meta (3‑) position of the benzene ring relative to the amino (–NH₂) group. This specific positional relationship gives MCA a reactivity profile entirely distinct from its ortho (2-chloroaniline) and para (4-chloroaniline) isomers.

The compound presents as a clear, colorless to pale brownish liquid at ambient temperature with a characteristic aniline-like odour. Its boiling point of 228–230 °C, density of 1.216 g/cm³, and low water solubility (∼4 g/L at 20 °C) make it well-suited to industrial batch and continuous-process synthesis. The meta-substitution pattern produces a unique electronic profile — intermediate between the strongly activating p-isomer and the more hindered o-isomer — that is specifically leveraged in azo dye chemistry, herbicide design, and pharmaceutical synthesis.

Chelora Agrochem supplies MCA at ≥ 99.0% purity (GC), batch-tested against published specifications. IUPAC name: 3-chloroaniline. Formula: C₆H₆ClN. MW: 127.57 g/mol. CAS: 108-42-9. EC: 203-580-9. HS Code: 2921 42 90. Synonyms: 3-Aminochlorobenzene, m-Chloroaniline, m-Chlorobenzenamine.

Technical Data

Physical & Chemical Properties

Key physicochemical data for Meta Chloro Aniline (3-Chloroaniline, CAS 108-42-9).

AppearanceColorless to pale brownish liquid

Boiling Point228–230 °C @ 101.3 kPa

Flash Point~100 °C (closed cup)

Density (20 °C)1.216 g/cm³

Vapour Pressure (20 °C)0.08 mmHg (10.6 Pa)

Water Solubility~4 g/L at 20 °C (slightly soluble)

log P (oct/water)1.88

pKa (conjugate acid)3.52

Quality Specification

Full Specification — COA Parameters

All batches are tested against these parameters before release. Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provided with every shipment.

Parameter	Specification	Test Method
Appearance	Colorless to pale brownish, clear liquid	Visual (ASTM E1392)
Assay (GC, area%)	≥ 99.0%	GC-FID
Boiling Point	228–230 °C at 101.3 kPa	ASTM D1120
Flash Point (c.c.)	≥ 98 °C	ASTM D93 (Pensky-Martens)
Density (20 °C)	1.214–1.218 g/cm³	ASTM D4052
Colour (APHA)	≤ 30	ASTM D1209
Water Content (KF)	≤ 0.10%	Karl Fischer (ASTM E203)
Aniline content	≤ 0.05%	GC-FID
4-Chloroaniline	≤ 0.30%	GC-FID
Heavy Metals (Pb eq.)	≤ 20 ppm	USP <231>

Markets & End Uses

Industrial Applications of MCA

Meta Chloro Aniline's unique electronic and steric profile make it indispensable across four major industry segments.

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Azo Dye Intermediates

MCA is diazotized at 0–5 °C to yield a highly reactive diazonium salt for azo coupling reactions. This route underpins disperse dyes, reactive dyes, and direct dyes used in textile dyeing, inkjet inks, and leather finishing. The meta-substitution produces distinctive orange-red to brown shades not accessible via ortho or para isomers.

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Pharmaceutical Building Block

The chloro group enables Buchwald-Hartwig amination, Suzuki coupling, and nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr), giving access to diverse bioactive scaffolds. Key applications include CNS drug intermediates, anti-inflammatory compounds, and antibacterial derivatives requiring the meta-chlorophenyl pharmacophore.

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Agrochemical Intermediates

MCA is a precursor for phenylurea herbicides — including chlortoluron and diuron analogues — that selectively inhibit photosystem II in grass weeds. The meta-chloro electronic effect is critical for binding selectivity at the herbicide target site. MCA also features in insecticide and nematocide synthesis pathways.

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Rubber & Polymer Chemicals

In elastomer technology, MCA is used to manufacture antiozonants, antidegradants, and vulcanisation accelerators that protect rubber goods from ozone cracking and thermal ageing. The aromatic amine functionality reacts efficiently with quinones and other rubber process chemicals to form the required protective structures.

Chemistry

Synthesis Pathway

Meta Chloro Aniline is produced industrially by a two-step sequence exploiting the inherent meta-directing effect of the ring chloro substituent in electrophilic aromatic substitution.

Chlorobenzene

Starting material
C₆H₅Cl

→

Nitration

HNO₃ / H₂SO₄
40–60 °C

→

Meta-Nitro Isomer

3-Nitrochlorobenzene
>60% regioselectivity

→

Catalytic Hydrogenation

H₂ / Pd-C, EtOH
40–80 °C, 3–5 bar

→

3-Chloroaniline (MCA)

≥ 99% purity
CAS 108-42-9

The chloro group acts as a meta-director in electrophilic nitration; selective reduction of the isolated meta-nitro isomer under mild hydrogenation conditions affords MCA with minimal over-reduction or dehalogenation side-products.

Health, Safety & Environment

Handling & Safety Information

MCA is a toxic compound (Acute Tox. 3, GHS). Handle only with appropriate engineering controls and personal protective equipment.

GHS Hazard Classification

GHS06
Toxic

GHS08
Health Hazard

H301Toxic if swallowed

H311Toxic in contact with skin — may cause methemoglobin formation

H331Toxic if inhaled

H317May cause allergic skin reaction in sensitised individuals

H351Suspected of causing cancer (Category 2)

Required PPE:

Butyl / nitrile chemical-resistant gloves Impermeable protective suit Face shield + safety goggles Half-face respirator (OV/P100) Chemical-resistant footwear

Storage: Tightly sealed UN-approved containers at 5–30 °C; dry, ventilated area away from heat and oxidisers. Waste disposal: Incinerate in a licensed facility per local hazardous-waste regulations. Do not discharge to sewer or waterways. Contaminated packaging must be decontaminated before disposal.

Our Process

From Raw Material to Your Door

Every kilogram of MCA supplied by Chelora Agrochem follows a rigorous five-stage quality chain.

Source

Certified-grade chlorobenzene and process reagents from audited, GMP-aligned chemical suppliers only

Synthesise

Controlled mixed-acid nitration (40–60 °C) followed by catalytic hydrogenation in sealed reactors with precise temperature and pressure management

Test

Full GC purity profile, APHA colour, Karl Fischer moisture, density, and heavy-metals analysis on every production batch before release

Pack

Filled into UN-certified HDPE carboys, drums, or IBC tanks under inert atmosphere with tamper-evident sealing and GHS-compliant labelling

Ship

Full export documentation package: CoA, SDS (GHS), IMDG / IATA DGR / ADR DG declaration, commercial invoice, packing list

Packaging & Logistics

Packaging Options & Export Compliance

All MCA packaging is UN-certified for Class 6.1, Packing Group II liquids and complies with IMDG, IATA DGR, and ADR/RID regulations.

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25 kg HDPE Carboy

UN 3H1/X30/S — ideal for R&D, pilot-plant, and small-batch production

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200 L HDPE Drum

UN 1H1/Y1.8/200 — standard bulk supply for industrial-scale synthesis operations

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1000 L IBC Tank

UN 31H1 — high-volume supply for continuous process facilities and tank-farm storage

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Custom Pack Sizes

Special fill weights, private labelling, and bespoke documentation packages on request

Export Documentation Included: Bill of Lading / Airway Bill, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, CoA, GHS-compliant SDS, DG Declaration (IMDG/IATA/ADR), REACH Registration Confirmation, and Export License where applicable. Fumigation and phytosanitary certificates available on request for relevant destination markets.

Regulatory Compliance

Registrations & Standards

Meta Chloro Aniline (CAS 108-42-9) is compliant with all major chemical regulatory frameworks applicable to global export markets.

✓

REACH Registered

EU Reg. (EC) No 1907/2006 — full dossier registration

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TSCA Listed

US EPA TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory (CAS 108-42-9)

✓

GHS Compliant

Full 16-section SDS per UN GHS Rev. 9, all labelling current

✓

ISO QMS

Manufactured under an ISO-aligned quality management system

✓

CPCB / BIS

Indian statutory compliance — CPCB Hazardous Waste Rules registered

✓

IMDG / IATA / ADR

UN 2019, Class 6.1, PG II — full DG compliance for sea, air & road

Why Chelora Agrochem

Your Reliable Source for MCA

Four reasons manufacturers across 30+ countries trust Chelora Agrochem for Meta Chloro Aniline.

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99%+ Guaranteed Purity

Every batch GC-tested before release. We issue a full Certificate of Analysis with assay, colour, moisture, and complete impurity profile — no deviations, no compromises.

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Regulatory Ready

REACH-registered, TSCA-listed, GHS-labelled. Full SDS, CoA, and IMDG/IATA export declarations ship with every order. No chasing paperwork after the invoice.

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Flexible Packaging

From 25 kg carboys to 1000 L IBC tanks, with custom labelling and documentation. Scale your supply without changing your supplier or your process.

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Global Export Expertise

Shipping to 30+ countries with full dangerous-goods handling. Dedicated DG specialists, pre-clearance documentation, and on-time dispatch — every time.

You May Also Need

Related Chloroaniline Intermediates

Structurally related aromatic amine intermediates from the Chelora Agrochem catalogue.

Positional Isomer

Para Chloro Aniline

CAS 106-47-8 · 4-Chloroaniline

The para-isomer of MCA; widely used in azo dye synthesis, herbicide intermediates (monuron, diuron precursors), and as a building block for 4-chloroacetanilide and related compounds.

View product → Dichloro Variant

2,4-Dichloroaniline

CAS 554-00-7 · 2,4-DCA

A key intermediate for herbicides (diuron, linuron), disperse dyes, and pharmaceuticals requiring the 2,4-dichloro substitution pattern on the aniline ring.

View product → Methyl Chloro Aniline

5-Chloro-2-Methylaniline

CAS 95-79-4 · Chloro-o-toluidine

Used in the production of reactive and disperse dyes, crop-protection chemicals, and pharmaceutical intermediates requiring the 5-chloro-2-methylanilinyl skeleton.

View product →

All Aniline Intermediates

Meta Chloro Aniline Para Chloro Aniline 3,4-Dichloroaniline 2,4-Dichloroaniline 2,6-Diethylaniline 2,3,4-Trifluoroaniline 2,6-Difluoroaniline Para Fluoro Aniline 4-Fluoro-N-Isopropylaniline 5-Chloro-2-Methylaniline 2,6-Diisopropylaniline Ortho Phenylene Diamine Ortho Nitro Aniline Para Toluidine Methyl Ethyl Aniline

Frequently Asked Questions

MCA — Common Questions Answered

Everything buyers, formulators, and regulatory teams ask about Meta Chloro Aniline (CAS 108-42-9).

What is Meta Chloro Aniline (MCA)?

Meta Chloro Aniline (MCA), also known as 3-Chloroaniline or m-Chloroaniline (CAS 108-42-9), is an aromatic primary amine in which a chlorine atom occupies the meta (3‑) position of the benzene ring relative to the amino (–NH₂) group. It presents as a colorless to pale brownish liquid at room temperature with boiling point 228–230 °C and density 1.216 g/cm³. It is a key commercial intermediate for dyes, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals.

What is the CAS number for Meta Chloro Aniline?

The CAS registry number for Meta Chloro Aniline (3-Chloroaniline / MCA) is 108-42-9. Additional regulatory identifiers: EC Number 203-580-9; IUPAC name 3-chloroaniline; molecular formula C₆H₆ClN; molecular weight 127.57 g/mol; HS Code 2921 42 90 for customs classification in most jurisdictions.

What is MCA used for in dye manufacturing?

In dye manufacturing, MCA is diazotized at 0–5 °C with sodium nitrite and hydrochloric acid to form a highly reactive diazonium salt. This salt then couples with an appropriate azo coupler (naphthol, phenol, or amine) to produce azo dyes. The meta-chloro group imparts distinctive electronic properties resulting in orange-red to brown shades in disperse, reactive, and direct dye families — shades not replicated by ortho or para chloroanilines.

What is the difference between meta, ortho, and para chloroaniline?

The three isomers carry the chloro substituent at different ring positions relative to NH₂: ortho-chloroaniline (2-chloroaniline, CAS 95-51-2) at position 2; meta-chloroaniline / MCA (CAS 108-42-9) at position 3; para-chloroaniline (CAS 106-47-8) at position 4. Each isomer differs in boiling point, basicity (pKa of conjugate acid), and reactivity profile. They are not interchangeable: positional differences control the spatial and electronic environment of the NH₂ group, leading to different downstream product characteristics.

Is Meta Chloro Aniline hazardous?

Yes. MCA is classified Acute Tox. 3 under GHS: H301 (toxic if swallowed), H311 (toxic in contact with skin — may cause methemoglobin formation reducing blood oxygen-carrying capacity), H331 (toxic if inhaled). It is also a suspected carcinogen (Carc. 2, H351). UN classification: UN 2019, Class 6.1, Packing Group II. Handle only in a fume hood or well-ventilated enclosure with full PPE as described in the SDS.

What is the boiling point of MCA?

The boiling point of Meta Chloro Aniline (3-Chloroaniline) is 228–230 °C at standard atmospheric pressure (101.3 kPa). Its flash point (Pensky-Martens closed cup) is approximately 100 °C (specified ≥ 98 °C), classifying it as a combustible liquid. Melting point is −6.5 °C, confirming it is liquid at room temperature.

What agrochemicals are synthesized using MCA?

MCA is a building block for several crop-protection active ingredients, including: phenylurea herbicides such as chlortoluron and diuron analogues that inhibit photosystem II; insecticide precursors; and fungicide intermediates via SNAr or palladium-coupling chemistry. The meta-chloro electronic effect is specifically responsible for binding selectivity and the biological activity profile of these agrochemical molecules at their target site.

What pharmaceutical intermediates use MCA?

In the pharmaceutical industry, MCA introduces the meta-chlorophenyl or meta-chloroanilinyl fragment into drug candidates. It appears in synthesis routes to CNS drug intermediates (anxiolytics, antidepressants requiring a 3-chlorophenyl pharmacophore), antibacterial agents, and anti-inflammatory compounds. The chloro group enables palladium-catalysed cross-coupling (Suzuki, Buchwald-Hartwig), directed ortho-lithiation, and nucleophilic aromatic substitution in subsequent synthetic steps.

How is Meta Chloro Aniline synthesized?

The dominant industrial route proceeds in two steps: (1) Mixed-acid nitration of chlorobenzene with HNO₃/H₂SO₄ at 40–60 °C. The chloro group's meta-directing influence in electrophilic aromatic substitution gives predominantly 3-nitrochlorobenzene (>60% regioselectivity). (2) Catalytic hydrogenation of the isolated 3-nitrochlorobenzene over Pd/C in ethanol at 40–80 °C and 3–5 bar H₂ selectively reduces the nitro group to an amine, yielding MCA at ≥ 99% purity with minimal dehalogenation side-products.

What packaging is available for MCA?

Chelora Agrochem supplies Meta Chloro Aniline in three standard pack sizes: 25 kg HDPE carboys (UN 3H1), 200 L HDPE drums (UN 1H1), and 1000 L IBC tanks (UN 31H1). All packaging meets Class 6.1, PG II certification. Custom sizes, private labelling, and special documentation (e.g., for REACH import or FDA submissions) are available on request. Minimum order quantities depend on pack type — please enquire.

Is MCA REACH registered?

Yes. Meta Chloro Aniline (CAS 108-42-9) is fully registered under EU REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. It is also listed on the US EPA TSCA Inventory and complies with GHS labelling per UN GHS Revision 9. A 16-section SDS and REACH registration confirmation letter are provided with every EU shipment. CoA and test reports are available on request for other regulatory submissions worldwide.

How should MCA be stored?

Store Meta Chloro Aniline in tightly sealed, UN-approved HDPE or lined stainless-steel containers at 5–30 °C in a dry, well-ventilated area away from sunlight, heat sources, and ignition sources. Segregate from strong oxidising agents, mineral acids, reactive metals (Na, K), and food/feed products. Storage areas must have acid-resistant containment bunding (110% of largest container volume), appropriate fire suppression, an eyewash station, and emergency shower. Shelf life under recommended conditions: 24 months from the date of manufacture when stored sealed.

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