Meta Nitro Toluene
A high-purity nitroaromatic supplied as the precursor to meta toluidine and as an intermediate for dye and pigment manufacture.
What is Meta Nitro Toluene?
Meta Nitro Toluene — MNT, or 3-nitrotoluene — is a yellow liquid, or low-melting solid in a cool store, carrying a nitro group in the meta position relative to the methyl group.
It is the minor product of toluene nitration. The methyl group directs incoming nitro groups to the ortho and para positions, so the meta isomer forms only in small proportion and has to be recovered from the isomer mixture, which makes it the scarcest of the three nitrotoluenes.
At Chelora Chemicals, MNT is distilled with isomer content and moisture held to specification, so that reduction to meta toluidine proceeds to consistent yield and colour.
- Appearance
- Yellow liquid or low-melting solid
- Odour
- Faint, sweetish aromatic
- Solubility
- Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, ether, benzene
- Function
- Chemical intermediate
- Grade
- Technical
Formula diagram
Methyl and nitro groups in the meta relationship
- Molecular formulaC7H7NO2
- Molecular weight137.14 g/mol
- IUPAC name3-Nitrotoluene
- Functional groupsNitro, alkyl
- CAS number99-08-1
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical grade Meta Nitro Toluene. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | Meta Nitro Toluene |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | MNT, 3-Nitrotoluene, m-Nitrotoluene |
| CAS number | 99-08-1 |
| Molecular formula | C7H7NO2 |
| Molecular weight | 137.14 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | Yellow liquid or low-melting solid |
| Density (20°C) | 1.152–1.160 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | 231–233°C |
| Melting point | 15–16°C |
| Flash point | 106°C (closed cup) |
| Isomer content | ≤ 1.0% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.1% |
| Packaging | 250 kg drums, 1000 kg IBC |
| Shelf life | 24 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of Meta Nitro Toluene
Meta toluidine production
Reduced to meta toluidine for dye, pigment, and pharmaceutical intermediate manufacture.
Dye intermediates
Feeds azo dye chemistry requiring a meta-substituted toluene core.
Organic pigments
Supports pigment intermediate synthesis through the meta toluidine route.
Pharmaceutical intermediates
Applied where a meta-substituted nitroaromatic is required in fine chemical synthesis.
Agrochemical intermediates
Used in crop-protection routes built on nitrotoluene chemistry.
Specialty chemicals
Used in specialty amine and brightener derivative manufacture.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of Meta Nitro Toluene 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
Meta-isomer assay controlled at ≥99% with ortho and para content verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 250 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 in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store.
- 02Expect the product to solidify below about 15°C; warm gently and evenly before transfer.
- 03Keep away from heat, sparks, open flame, and direct sunlight.
- 04Segregate from strong oxidising agents, strong bases, and reducing agents.
- 05Use compatible containers: lined steel, stainless steel, or HDPE.
- 06Bund all bulk storage and prevent release to drains, surface water, or soil.
Handling precautions
MNT is toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. It is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
Absorbed material forms methaemoglobin, reducing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. Chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, eye protection, and respiratory protection are required.
Use closed transfer and local exhaust ventilation for decanting, charging, and heated operations.
Nitroaromatics can decompose exothermically if overheated. Warming solidified material should use controlled, even heating rather than a localised high-temperature source.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, spill response, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is Meta Nitro Toluene used for?
Principally reduction to meta toluidine for dye, pigment, and pharmaceutical intermediates. It also serves specialty synthesis where a meta-substituted nitroaromatic is required.
What is the CAS number for meta nitro toluene?
99-08-1. This is worth confirming on any order, because 108-44-1 belongs to meta toluidine, the amine produced by reducing it, and the two are easily transposed in catalogues and spreadsheets.
Why is the meta isomer the scarcest nitrotoluene?
The methyl group on toluene is an ortho and para director, so nitration produces mostly those two isomers with only a small meta fraction. Recovering it from the mixture takes more separation work, which is reflected in price and availability.
How does MNT differ from ONT and PNT?
All three are C7H7NO2 with a weight of 137.14. ONT is a liquid, PNT a solid melting near 52°C, and MNT sits between with a melting point around 15°C. Each reduces to a different toluidine.
Is it a liquid or a solid?
It depends on the temperature. The melting point is around 15 to 16°C, so drums may arrive solid in a cool store and liquid in a warm one. Warm gently and evenly before transfer.
Is it soluble in water?
No. It is practically insoluble in water but dissolves readily in alcohols, ether, acetone, and aromatic solvents.
What purity do you supply?
Standard technical grade is supplied at a minimum assay of 99% with isomer content at or below 1.0% and moisture at or below 0.1%. Tighter specifications can be produced to order, subject to availability.
What packaging sizes are available?
250 kg drums and 1000 kg IBCs, with samples available for trial work.
What are the thermal hazards?
Nitroaromatics can decompose exothermically if overheated, so warming, drying, and distillation should be temperature-controlled and supported by a thermal assessment before scale-up.
Is MNT hazardous?
Yes. It is toxic by several routes, absorbed through skin, harmful on repeated exposure, and toxic to aquatic life. Trained personnel, engineering controls, and full PPE are required per the Safety Data Sheet.
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, density, melting range, moisture, and appearance.