Dye, pigment & agrochemical intermediate
Meta Dichloro Benzene (MDCB) Supplier & Distributor in India & Worldwide
Chelora Agrochem is a trusted Meta Dichloro Benzene (MDCB) supplier and distributor in India, connecting buyers with high-purity material sourced from leading, quality-approved manufacturers. Our 1,3-dichlorobenzene meets 99% min purity with low ortho- and para-isomer content, 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 MDCB requirements, backed by COA, MSDS and TDS on every order.
- CAS number
- 541-73-1
- Formula
- C6H4Cl2
- Molecular weight
- 147.00 g/mol
- Purity
- 99% min
Quick product specifications
Meta Dichloro Benzene at a glance
Identifiers, physical data and trade codes for MDCB. Batch-specific figures are confirmed on the Certificate of Analysis supplied with each consignment, in India and on export shipments alike.
- Chemical name
- Meta Dichloro Benzene
- CAS number
- 541-73-1
- Molecular formula
- C6H4Cl2
- Molecular weight
- 147.00 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- 1,3-Dichlorobenzene
- EC number
- 208-792-1
- HS code
- 2903 99National subheading as per destination
- UN number
- UN 1591Dichlorobenzenes, liquid · Class 6.1, PG III
- Appearance
- Clear colourless liquidLiquid across the normal ambient range
- Melting point
- About −25 °C
- Boiling point
- 172–173 °C
- Density
- About 1.29 g/cm³Liquid, 20 °C
- Flash point
- About 63 °CClosed cup, combustible liquid
- Solubility
- Practically insoluble in waterMiscible with alcohols, ethers and aromatic solvents
- Purity
- 99% min
- Synonyms
- MDCBm-Dichlorobenzene · 1,3-Dichlorobenzene · m-DCB
- Product form
- Bulk liquid
- Documentation
- COA, MSDS & TDSSupplied with every order
Product overview
What is Meta Dichloro Benzene?
Meta Dichloro Benzene (MDCB) is the 1,3-isomer of dichlorobenzene, used mainly as a chemical intermediate for 2,4-dichloroaniline chemistry and as a high-boiling solvent. It is the least abundant of the three dichlorobenzene isomers, which is why it is usually bought in rather than made on site.
With the formula C6H4Cl2 (CAS 541-73-1), MDCB is a clear colourless liquid that boils at about 173 °C, stays liquid well below freezing and is practically insoluble in water. Unlike the ortho and para isomers it is not formed in quantity by simple chlorination of benzene, so it is obtained by isomerisation and careful separation.
Because the two chlorines are meta to one another, nitration goes cleanly to 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene — the gateway to 2,4-dichloroaniline, which in turn feeds azo pigments, dyes and several crop-protection actives.
How it is made
Meta dichlorobenzene is obtained by catalytic isomerisation of the more abundant ortho and para isomers, followed by fractional distillation and crystallisation to separate the meta cut. The product is then dried and polished to the required isomer and colour specification.
What that means for your process
- Low ortho- and para-isomer content, checked by GC
- Low moisture and low acidity for stable storage in mild steel
- Low colour (Hazen) for downstream nitration work
- Supplied in drums, IBCs or bulk tankers to suit your charging system
Applications
What is Meta Dichloro Benzene used for?
MDCB is used mainly as a chemical intermediate, with a secondary role as a high-boiling solvent. Its main applications, industry by industry, include:
Dyes & pigments
Nitration and reduction give 2,4-dichloroaniline, a workhorse diazo component for azo dyes and pigments.
- Nitration to 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene
- Reduction to 2,4-dichloroaniline
- Diazotisation and coupling to azo colourants
Agrochemicals
2,4-Dichloroaniline derivatives feed several herbicide and insecticide families.
- Dichloroaniline-based crop-protection actives
- Dichlorophenyl ureas and amides
- Custom meta-substituted aromatics
Solvents & specialty uses
A high-boiling, thermally stable solvent for reactions and formulations.
- High-temperature reaction solvent
- Carrier and process fluid formulations
- Degreasing and cleaning blends
Process route
How is MDCB used to make 2,4-dichloroaniline?
The principal outlet for MDCB is the 2,4-dichloroaniline (2,4-DCA) route. Meta dichlorobenzene is nitrated with mixed acid to 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene, which is then hydrogenated to 2,4-dichloroaniline and taken on to azo pigments, dyes and agrochemical actives.
Meta Dichloro Benzene
Charged as the meta-substituted aromatic. Isomer purity decides nitration selectivity.
C6H4Cl2Nitration
Reacted with mixed nitric and sulfuric acid under controlled temperature.
HNO3 / H2SO42,4-Dichloronitrobenzene
Hydrogenated over a catalyst to 2,4-dichloroaniline.
2,4-DCAPigments & actives
Diazotised and coupled to azo colourants, or converted to agrochemical actives.
Azo pigmentsIn depth
Meta Dichloro Benzene applications by industry
Below is a detailed breakdown of where MDCB is used and the role it plays in each downstream product.
| Industry | Typical downstream products | Role of MDCB |
|---|---|---|
| Dyes & pigments | 2,4-Dichloroaniline, azo dyes and pigments | Starting material |
| Agrochemicals | Dichloroaniline-based herbicides and insecticides | Intermediate |
| Pharmaceuticals | Dichlorophenyl building blocks | Intermediate |
| Industrial fluids | High-boiling solvents, carriers, degreasers | Solvent |
| Fine chemicals | Custom meta-substituted aromatics | Building block |
Safety
Is Meta Dichloro Benzene hazardous?
Yes. MDCB is harmful if swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation, and is very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. With a flash point around 63 °C it is a combustible liquid, so ignition sources must be controlled as well as exposure.
MDCB should be stored in sealed, bunded drums, IBCs or tanks in a cool, dry, ventilated place away from heat, open flames, strong oxidisers and strong bases, and handled with chemical-resistant gloves, goggles and protective clothing, with local exhaust ventilation where vapour can accumulate. Vapour is heavier than air and can collect in pits and low areas. Prevent release to drains and waterways. A full MSDS is supplied with every order.
Signal word: Warning
Combustible liquid · harmful if swallowed · causes skin and eye irritation · very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Safe-handling essentials
- Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles and protective clothing
- Local exhaust ventilation; vapour is heavier than air and collects in pits
- Keep away from open flames, hot surfaces and other ignition sources
- Earth and bond containers when transferring in bulk
- Keep drums and IBCs closed; store cool, dry and bunded
- Store away from strong oxidisers and strong bases
- Never allow release to drains, soil or waterways
- Transport as UN 1591, class 6.1, packing group III
Grades
Meta Dichloro Benzene grades & technical specifications
We supply MDCB in standard industrial grade and in high-assay, low-isomer grades for nitration and fine chemical work.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Assay (1,3-isomer) | 99% min |
| Appearance | Clear colourless liquid, free from suspended matter |
| ortho-Dichlorobenzene | 0.5% max |
| para-Dichlorobenzene | 0.5% max |
| Monochlorobenzene | 0.1% max |
| Colour (APHA / Hazen) | 20 max |
| Moisture | 0.05% max |
| Acidity (as HCl) | 0.005% max |
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 container loads on contract — packed, documented and dispatched to your plant in India or overseas.
Packaging
250 kg MS or HDPE drums, 1000 litre IBCs, or bulk in ISO tank containers and road tankers as per quantity.
Minimum order quantity
Flexible — single drums for trials through to full tank-container loads.
Shelf life
Long shelf life in sealed, unopened drums stored cool, dry and away from ignition sources.
Dispatch
Pan-India dispatch and worldwide export with complete dangerous-goods documentation and logistics support.
Why buy from us
Why choose Chelora as your MDCB supplier?
As an established Meta Dichloro Benzene 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
Single packs for process trials through to repeat container loads on schedule.
Worldwide supply
Export-grade packing, dangerous-goods documentation and on-time dispatch to plants across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and the Americas.
Technical & safe-handling support
Guidance on storage, PPE, material compatibility and process fit from a team that knows chlorinated aromatics.
One point of contact
Source MDCB alongside your other intermediates — one enquiry, one team, one invoice.
Ordering
How to order Meta Dichloro Benzene 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
Meta Dichloro Benzene 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 | Combustible liquid; acute toxicity cat. 4 (oral); skin irritation cat. 2; eye irritation cat. 2; aquatic acute cat. 1; aquatic chronic cat. 1 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| First aid — inhalation | Move to fresh air; keep at rest; get medical advice if symptoms persist |
| First aid — skin | Remove contaminated clothing; wash thoroughly with soap & water |
| First aid — eyes | Rinse with water for several minutes; get medical advice |
| Handling | Use PPE; ventilate; control ignition sources; earth and bond on transfer |
| Storage | Cool, dry, sealed and bunded; away from heat, flames, oxidisers & strong bases |
| Environment | Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; prevent release to drains / waterways |
| Transport | UN 1591; class 6.1; packing group III |
Certificate of Analysis (representative)
| Test parameter | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Assay (1,3-isomer) | 99% min | GC |
| Appearance | Clear colourless liquid | Visual |
| ortho-Isomer | 0.5% max | GC |
| para-Isomer | 0.5% max | GC |
| Colour (APHA) | 20 max | Comparator |
| Moisture | 0.05% max | Karl Fischer |
The actual batch COA is supplied with each shipment.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from buyers specifying MDCB for dye, pigment, agrochemical and fine chemical production.
What is Meta Dichloro Benzene used for?
MDCB is used mainly to make 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene and 2,4-dichloroaniline for azo dyes, pigments and crop-protection actives, as a building block for dichlorophenyl fine chemicals, and as a high-boiling process solvent.
What is the CAS number of MDCB?
The CAS number is 541-73-1 and the molecular formula is C6H4Cl2, with a molecular weight of 147.00 g/mol. It is also known as 1,3-dichlorobenzene or m-dichlorobenzene.
How is Meta Dichloro Benzene made?
Direct chlorination of benzene gives mainly the ortho and para isomers, so the meta isomer is produced by catalytic isomerisation of those isomers followed by fractional distillation and crystallisation to separate the meta cut.
Is Meta Dichloro Benzene hazardous?
Yes. It is harmful if swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation, and is very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. It is also a combustible liquid with a flash point around 63 °C. Handle it with PPE, ventilation, ignition control and bunded storage; we supply a full MSDS with every order.
What is the difference between meta, ortho and para dichlorobenzene?
All three share the formula C6H4Cl2 but differ in where the two chlorines sit on the ring. The para isomer is a solid melting near 53 °C and is used in deodorant blocks and PPS resin; the ortho isomer is a liquid used as a solvent and for 3,4-dichloroaniline; the meta isomer is a liquid used mainly for 2,4-dichloroaniline chemistry. They are not interchangeable.
How should MDCB be stored?
In sealed drums, IBCs or tanks in a cool, dry, well-ventilated and bunded store, away from heat, open flames, strong oxidisers and strong bases. Keep containers closed and earth or bond them during bulk transfer.
Do you provide COA and MSDS for MDCB?
Yes, we provide a batch-specific COA and MSDS with every order, plus technical support on request.
Do you supply and export Meta Dichloro Benzene?
Yes, we supply MDCB across India and export internationally with complete dangerous-goods documentation, sourced from reliable manufacturers.
Request a quote or sample
Need a reliable MDCB supplier?
Looking for a dependable Meta Dichloro Benzene (MDCB) 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