Ortho Nitro Toluene
A high-purity nitroaromatic liquid supplied as the precursor to ortho toluidine and as an intermediate for dye, pigment, and rubber chemical manufacture.
What is Ortho Nitro Toluene?
Ortho Nitro Toluene — ONT, or 2-nitrotoluene — is a yellow liquid produced by nitrating toluene and separating the ortho isomer from the para and meta fractions.
Like its para counterpart it carries two independent reaction sites: a nitro group that reduces to an amine and a methyl group that oxidises to an aldehyde or acid. The reduction route dominates commercially, giving ortho toluidine for dye, pigment, and rubber chemical manufacture.
At Chelora Chemicals, ONT is distilled with isomer content and moisture held to specification. The substance carries a strict carcinogen classification and is supplied only to industrial users with the containment and health surveillance that requires.
- Appearance
- Yellow clear liquid
- Odour
- Faint, sweetish aromatic
- Solubility
- Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, ether, benzene
- Function
- Chemical intermediate
- Grade
- Technical
Formula diagram
Methyl and nitro groups on adjacent ring positions
- Molecular formulaC7H7NO2
- Molecular weight137.14 g/mol
- IUPAC name2-Nitrotoluene
- Functional groupsNitro, alkyl
- CAS number88-72-2
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' technical grade Ortho Nitro Toluene. Custom-grade and bulk specifications are available on request.
| Chemical name | Ortho Nitro Toluene |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | ONT, 2-Nitrotoluene, o-Nitrotoluene |
| CAS number | 88-72-2 |
| Molecular formula | C7H7NO2 |
| Molecular weight | 137.14 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.5% |
| Appearance | Clear yellow liquid |
| Density (20°C) | 1.160–1.168 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | 220–222°C |
| Melting point | −4°C |
| Flash point | 106°C (closed cup) |
| Isomer content | ≤ 0.3% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.1% |
| Packaging | 250 kg drums, 1000 kg IBC, ISO tank |
| Shelf life | 24 months in sealed original packaging |
Applications of Ortho Nitro Toluene
Ortho toluidine production
Reduced to ortho toluidine, a colour base and rubber chemical intermediate.
Dye intermediates
Feeds azo dye chemistry through the toluidine and nitrotoluene sulfonic acid routes.
Organic pigments
Supports pigment intermediate manufacture requiring a methyl-substituted aromatic core.
Rubber chemicals
Used in the synthesis of accelerators and antidegradants.
Agrochemical intermediates
Applied in crop-protection routes built on nitrotoluene chemistry.
Specialty chemicals
Used in optical brightener and specialty intermediate manufacture.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of Ortho 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
Ortho-isomer assay controlled at ≥99.5% with para and meta content verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, SDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From 250 kg drums to IBC and ISO tank 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.
- 02Keep away from heat, sparks, open flame, and direct sunlight.
- 03Segregate from strong oxidising agents, strong bases, and reducing agents.
- 04Use compatible containers: lined steel, stainless steel, or HDPE.
- 05Bund all bulk storage and prevent release to drains, surface water, or soil.
- 06Store in a locked or access-controlled area with clear carcinogen warning signage.
Handling precautions
Ortho nitro toluene is classified as a carcinogen and is suspected of causing genetic defects. It is also toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. It is for industrial use by trained personnel only.
The carcinogen classification means exposure must be reduced to the lowest technically achievable level, with closed handling, exposure monitoring, and health surveillance where your national regulations require it.
The substance is absorbed through intact skin and forms methaemoglobin, reducing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. Chemical-resistant gloves with verified breakthrough data, coveralls, and eye protection are required.
Nitroaromatics can decompose exothermically if overheated. Distillation, drying, and heated processing require documented thermal assessment and temperature control.
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 Toluene used for?
Mainly reduction to ortho toluidine for dye, pigment, and rubber chemical manufacture. The methyl group can also be oxidised for fine chemical synthesis, and the compound feeds several specialty intermediate routes.
How is ONT manufactured?
By nitrating toluene, which produces a mixture dominated by the ortho and para isomers with a small amount of meta. These are separated by distillation and crystallisation, so isomer purity is both a key specification and a key cost driver.
Why does toluene nitration favour ortho and para?
The methyl group is electron-donating and directs incoming electrophiles to the ortho and para positions. The meta isomer forms only in small quantity, which is why it is the scarcest and most expensive of the three.
How does ONT differ from PNT?
Both are C7H7NO2 with a weight of 137.14. ONT is a liquid at room temperature and PNT is a solid melting near 52°C, and they reduce to different toluidines. They are not interchangeable.
Is it classified as a carcinogen?
Yes. It carries a strict carcinogen classification and is also suspected of causing genetic defects. Exposure must be reduced to the lowest technically achievable level and health surveillance may be mandatory under your national rules.
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 99.5% with isomer content at or below 0.3% and moisture at or below 0.1%. Tighter specifications can be produced to order.
What packaging is available?
250 kg drums, 1000 kg IBCs, and ISO tanks. Supply is subject to confirmation of the receiving site's handling capability and regulatory position.
What are the thermal hazards?
Nitroaromatics can decompose exothermically if overheated, so distillation and drying operations require temperature control and a documented thermal assessment before scale-up.
Is ONT hazardous to the environment?
Yes. It is toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Bunding, containment, and drain protection are essential at every handling point.
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.