Ortho Nitro Anisole
A high-purity nitroaromatic ether supplied as the precursor to o-anisidine and as an intermediate for azo dye and pigment manufacture.
What is Ortho Nitro Anisole?
Ortho Nitro Anisole — 2-nitroanisole — is a yellow to orange liquid, or low-melting solid in a cool store, carrying a methoxy group next to a nitro group on a benzene ring. It is made by methoxylating ortho nitrochlorobenzene.
Its role is almost entirely as a precursor. Reducing the nitro group gives o-anisidine, one of the classical dye and pigment intermediates, and the methoxy group carries through unchanged into the finished colour.
At Chelora Chemicals, 2-nitroanisole is refined with isomer content and moisture held to specification. Because the product carries a strict carcinogen classification and is on regulatory candidate lists in several jurisdictions, it is supplied only to industrial users with the containment and health surveillance that classification requires.
- Appearance
- Yellow to orange liquid or low-melting solid
- Odour
- Characteristic aromatic
- Solubility
- Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, ether, benzene
- Function
- Chemical intermediate
- Grade
- Technical
Formula diagram
Methoxy and nitro groups on adjacent ring positions
- Molecular formulaC7H7NO3
- Molecular weight153.14 g/mol
- IUPAC name2-Nitroanisole
- Functional groupsAryl ether, nitro
- CAS number91-23-6
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical grade Ortho Nitro Anisole. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | Ortho Nitro Anisole |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | 2-Nitroanisole, o-Nitroanisole, 2-Methoxynitrobenzene, ONA |
| CAS number | 91-23-6 |
| Molecular formula | C7H7NO3 |
| Molecular weight | 153.14 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | Yellow to orange liquid or low-melting solid |
| Melting point | 9–11°C |
| Boiling point | 272–274°C |
| Density (20°C) | 1.250–1.258 g/cm³ |
| Flash point | > 110°C (closed cup) |
| Isomer content | ≤ 0.5% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.2% |
| Packaging | 250 kg drums, 1000 kg IBC |
| Shelf life | 24 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of Ortho Nitro Anisole
o-Anisidine production
Reduced to o-anisidine, a classical intermediate for azo dyes and organic pigments.
Azo dye intermediates
Feeds colour chemistry requiring a methoxy-substituted aromatic amine.
Organic pigments
Supports pigment intermediate manufacture through the anisidine route.
Pharmaceutical intermediates
Used where a methoxy-nitro aromatic core is required in fine chemical synthesis.
Specialty chemicals
Applied in the synthesis of methoxy-substituted aromatic derivatives.
Analytical standards
Supplied as a reference material for nitroaromatic testing.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of Ortho Nitro Anisole 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 and moisture verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 250 kg drums to IBC quantities.
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 9°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, and bund all bulk storage.
- 06Store in a locked or access-controlled area with clear hazard signage.
Handling precautions
2-Nitroanisole is classified as a carcinogen and is suspected of causing genetic defects. It is also harmful if swallowed and can affect the blood on repeated exposure. It is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
The carcinogen classification means exposure must be reduced to the lowest technically achievable level rather than merely kept below a limit. Closed handling, health surveillance, and exposure records may be legally required at your site.
The product is absorbed through intact skin and can cause methaemoglobin formation. Chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, eye protection, and respiratory protection are required.
This substance appears on regulatory candidate and authorisation lists in several jurisdictions. Confirm your national obligations, including any notification or authorisation requirement, before ordering.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet for exposure limits, health surveillance, spill response, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ortho Nitro Anisole used for?
Almost entirely as the precursor to o-anisidine, which goes into azo dyes and organic pigments. Smaller volumes serve pharmaceutical and specialty synthesis.
How is it manufactured?
By methoxylation of ortho nitrochlorobenzene: methoxide displaces the chlorine that the neighbouring nitro group has activated. The isomer purity of the ONCB feed carries through to the finished product.
What does the abbreviation ONA refer to?
This is a common source of confusion. ONA is widely used for ortho nitroaniline, CAS 88-74-4, and is sometimes also applied to ortho nitroanisole, CAS 91-23-6. They are different products. Always order against the CAS number rather than the abbreviation.
How does it differ from ortho nitroaniline?
Ortho nitroaniline carries an amino group next to the nitro; this product carries a methoxy group. Nitroaniline is an orange solid used as a dye base and benzimidazole precursor, while nitroanisole is a liquid used to make o-anisidine.
Is it a liquid or a solid?
It depends on the temperature. The melting point is around 9 to 11°C, so drums may arrive solid in winter and liquid otherwise. Warm gently and evenly before transfer.
Is it soluble in water?
No. It is practically insoluble in water and dissolves in alcohols, ether, acetone, and aromatic solvents.
Is 2-nitroanisole regulated?
It carries a strict carcinogen classification and appears on regulatory candidate and authorisation lists in several jurisdictions. Depending on where you operate, supply and use may carry notification, authorisation, or health surveillance obligations. Confirm before ordering.
What controls are needed for a carcinogen-classified intermediate?
Closed handling wherever practicable, exposure reduced to the lowest technically achievable level, restricted access, exposure monitoring and records, and health surveillance for exposed workers. Your national regulations set the specific requirements.
What purity do you supply?
Standard technical 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 order.
What packaging sizes are available?
250 kg drums and 1000 kg IBCs. Supply is subject to confirmation of the receiving site's handling capability and regulatory position.
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, moisture, and appearance.