3-Chloro-2-Methylaniline
A high-purity chlorinated toluidine supplied as a liquid for herbicide, pharmaceutical, dye and pigment intermediate synthesis.
What is 3-Chloro-2-Methylaniline?
3-Chloro-2-methylaniline — also called 3-chloro-o-toluidine — is a colourless to light brown liquid with a methyl group beside the amine and a chlorine next to that.
The neighbouring methyl and chlorine groups give a crowded, well-defined substitution pattern. It is the starting point for quinoline-carboxylic acid herbicides such as quinclorac and for fenamate NSAIDs such as tolfenamic acid, where this exact arrangement is needed.
At Chelora Agrochem, it is distilled to high assay with isomer content, colour and moisture held to specification.
Quick facts
- Appearance
- Colourless to light brown liquid
- Odour
- Characteristic amine odour
- Solubility
- Slightly soluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
- Function
- Chemical intermediate
- Grade
- Technical
Formula diagram
Toluidine ring with chlorine beside the methyl group
- Molecular formulaC7H8ClN
- Molecular weight141.60 g/mol
- IUPAC name3-Chloro-2-methylaniline
- Functional groupsPrimary aromatic amine, aryl chloride, alkyl
- CAS number87-60-5
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Agrochem's technical grade 3-Chloro-2-Methylaniline. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | 3-Chloro-2-Methylaniline |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | 3-Chloro-o-toluidine, 6-Chloro-2-aminotoluene |
| CAS number | 87-60-5 |
| Molecular formula | C7H8ClN |
| Molecular weight | 141.60 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | Colourless to light brown liquid |
| Density (25 °C) | approx. 1.18 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | 245 °C |
| Melting point | approx. 0–2 °C |
| Isomer content | ≤ 0.5% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.2% |
| Packaging | 200 kg drums, 1000 kg IBC |
| Shelf life | 12 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of 3-Chloro-2-Methylaniline
Quinoline herbicides
The starting amine for quinclorac-type quinolinecarboxylic acid herbicides.
NSAID intermediates
Used in fenamate anti-inflammatory synthesis, including tolfenamic acid.
Azo dyes
Diazotised as a chlorinated toluidine colour base.
Organic pigments
A diazo component for red and orange pigments.
Agrochemical intermediates
Supplies a chloro-methylphenyl fragment to other actives.
Custom synthesis
A research and contract-manufacturing building block.
Why choose Chelora Agrochem
Every batch of 3-Chloro-2-Methylaniline 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 moisture 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 nitrogen where possible.
- 02Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, ignition sources and direct sunlight.
- 03Protect from air and light — the liquid darkens on oxidation.
- 04Segregate from strong oxidising agents, acids and acid chlorides.
- 05Use compatible containers: stainless steel, lined steel or HDPE.
- 06Re-seal drums promptly after use and prevent any release to drains, surface water or soil.
Handling precautions
3-Chloro-2-methylaniline is a toxic chlorinated aromatic amine that is harmful by inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. It is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
Aromatic amines are absorbed through intact skin and can affect the blood by forming methaemoglobin. Chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, eye protection and, where needed, respiratory protection are required.
Use local exhaust ventilation for drum decanting, charging and any heated operation; avoid breathing vapour or mist.
The product is toxic to aquatic life. Contain all spills and dispose of waste through licensed chemical waste routes.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, spill response and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
Mainly as an intermediate for quinclorac-type herbicides and tolfenamic acid, and for dyes and pigments.
Both are chloro-toluidines with the same formula, but the chlorine position differs. That changes the products they form — 3-chloro-2-methylaniline feeds quinoline herbicides and NSAIDs, while the 5-chloro isomer is mainly a dye base.
It melts close to 0 °C, so it may freeze in cold stores. Gentle warming restores the liquid without affecting quality.
Only slightly. It dissolves readily in alcohols, ethers and aromatic solvents, and in dilute mineral acid, so reactions are normally run in organic media or after acid dissolution.
Aromatic amines oxidise slowly on contact with air and light, forming coloured impurities. Assay is usually unaffected, but sealed, cool, dark storage under nitrogen preserves colour for sensitive applications.
Standard 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 a customer specification sheet.
200 kg drums and 1000 kg IBCs. Samples are available for trial and development work.
Yes. Like other aromatic amines it is toxic by several routes, absorbed through skin and hazardous to aquatic life. Trained personnel, engineering controls and full PPE are required per the Safety Data Sheet.
Yes. Every batch is dispatched with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet covering assay, impurity profile, moisture and appearance.
Request a sample or quote
Talk to our team about volumes, documentation and lead times for 3-Chloro-2-Methylaniline. We usually reply within 24 hours.