4,4'-Methylenedianiline
A white-to-light-tan flake aromatic diamine that sits upstream of one of the largest polymer families in the world: 4,4'-methylenedianiline is the principal feedstock for methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), the backbone of rigid and flexible polyurethane foams, elastomers, coatings and adhesives.
Chelora Chemicals supplies MDA to polyurethane, epoxy and specialty-polymer manufacturers worldwide, with full GHS and regulatory documentation on every consignment.
Product identity
- CAS Number
- 101-77-9
- IUPAC name
- 4-[(4-Aminophenyl)methyl]aniline
- Molecular formula
- C₁₃H₁₄N₂
- Molecular weight
- 198.26 g/mol
- Melting point
- 88 – 93 °C
- UN Number
- 2651
- SMILES
- Nc1ccc(Cc2ccc(N)cc2)cc1
- HS Code
- 2921 59*
* Confirm the current HS classification and import regulatory status for your destination with your own regulatory affairs team.
What 4,4'-Methylenedianiline is used for
4,4'-Methylenedianiline is a white to light-tan flake solid at room temperature, melting to an amber liquid, with two primary aromatic amine groups joined by a single methylene bridge. That structure — two reactive –NH₂ groups held apart on a rigid aromatic backbone — is what makes it so valuable as a polymer building block.
Its single largest commercial outlet is as the feedstock for methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), produced by phosgenation of MDA, which in turn underpins most of the world's rigid and flexible polyurethane foams, elastomers, coatings, adhesives and sealants. The same bifunctional amine structure also makes it one of the most effective curing agents (hardeners) for high-performance epoxy resin systems, and a widely used chain extender in cast polyurethane elastomers. Beyond these, it is used in wire and cable insulation coatings and as a building block for other aromatic diamine derivatives.
Why the structure matters
- Two reactive amine sites each –NH₂ group reacts independently, making MDA a true difunctional monomer for polymer chain-building.
- MDI produced from MDA by phosgenation — the workhorse diisocyanate of the global polyurethane industry.
- Epoxy curing the rigid aromatic backbone gives cured epoxy networks high heat distortion temperature and chemical resistance.
See our wider amine range for other aromatic and aliphatic amines we supply, including diisopropylamine and triethylamine.
Appearance and handling character
MDA is a solid flake at ambient temperature that darkens on prolonged exposure to air and light, melts cleanly around 90 °C for liquid dosing, and is regulated as a carcinogen and skin sensitiser in most jurisdictions.
| Parameter | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to light-tan flake, darkens on storage |
| Assay | 97.0% min |
| Moisture | 0.2% max |
| Colour (molten, Hazen) | 150 max |
| Iron content | 5 ppm max |
Important: the figures above are indicative of commercial material and are offered for planning only. The batch certificate of analysis is the governing document.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Physical state | Flake solid at room temperature; melts to amber liquid |
| Melting point | 88 – 93 °C |
| Boiling point | 398 – 399 °C (decomposes) |
| Density (solid, 25 °C) | ~1.15 g/cm³ |
| Water solubility | Slightly soluble |
| Functionality | Difunctional primary aromatic diamine |
Physical constants compiled from public reference data for CAS 101-77-9 and rounded for readability. Treat them as orientation, not as a specification.
Where our customers put this amine to work
A difunctional aromatic diamine valued above all for the diisocyanate and cured networks it becomes.
MDI / polyurethane feedstock
The primary aromatic diamine feedstock for methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, the workhorse monomer of the global polyurethane industry.
- Technical-grade specification
- Bulk tonnage supply available
- Technical desk review on request
Epoxy resin curing agent
A high-performance aromatic amine hardener valued for heat resistance and chemical resistance in cured networks.
- Flake or molten supply
- Full analytical documentation
- Small quantities for trials
Polyurethane chain extender
Used to build molecular weight and mechanical performance in cast polyurethane elastomer systems.
- Technical-grade specification
- Contracted annual tonnage supported
- Bulk bag or drum supply
Wire & cable coatings
Used in specialty coating and insulation formulations where aromatic-amine-cured networks are required.
- Research and process-scale quantities
- High-purity grade available on request
- Technical documentation supplied
Aromatic diamine building block
A standard intermediate for synthesising other aromatic diamines and specialty polymer additives.
- Packs from 1 kg / 5 kg
- Full analytical documentation available
- Retained sample held against the lot
Contract & scheduled supply
Polyurethane and epoxy producers running continuous consumption are supported with scheduled call-off tonnage.
- Annual contracts with scheduled call-off
- Price held across the contract period
- Second source held in reserve
How we supply 4,4'-Methylenedianiline
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and sourcing partner, not a manufacturer. On a regulated aromatic amine that feeds polyurethane and epoxy production, assay, colour and moisture control matter more than usual — we confirm these before any order is placed.
We place your order with whichever qualified producer best matches your required grade, your price point and your delivery window.
We keep a second qualified source on this line, so a single-plant disruption never becomes your production problem.
- Colour and moisture confirmed before we quote. Both are critical where this amine feeds MDI synthesis or light-coloured epoxy systems.
- Regulated-substance documentation filed correctly. Carcinogen and sensitiser classifications need accurate, complete hazard declarations.
- Packing matched to the physical form you need. Flake, prill or molten bulk, in packaging rated for a toxic solid.
- Scheduled call-off scheduling. We hold contracted tonnage and release it against your production calendar.
- Batch traceability to the producing plant. Full chain of custody documentation on request.
- Export machinery handled in-house. Classification, approved packing, labelling, freight booking and customs paperwork are ours to manage.
Packed the way your plant receives it
Flake drum, bulk bag or molten bulk — tell us your preferred format and we will quote and classify to it.
25 kg net
Standard lined fibre drums for the flake solid, the usual choice for most orders.
FIBC, 500 kg / 1,000 kg
For mid-to-high volume orders where drum handling becomes a logistics burden.
High-volume contracts
Heated tank truck or ISOtainer transport for continuous-consumption customers on long-term supply agreements.
Incoterms to suit you
Quoted on the Incoterm your purchasing team works to, with dangerous-goods documentation filed before booking.
Trial / sample quantities
Small packs dispatched for process trials before a commercial order is placed.
Contracted call-off supply
We hold contracted tonnage and release it against your production calendar.
A regulated aromatic amine — carcinogen and sensitiser classifications apply
4,4'-Methylenedianiline is subject to specific regulatory control in many jurisdictions because of its carcinogenicity and hepatotoxicity profile. The summary below is orientation only — the safety data sheet supplied with your specific batch is the authoritative document.
Classified hazards
H302Harmful if swallowed.H312+H332Harmful in contact with skin or if inhaled.H317May cause an allergic skin reaction.H341Suspected of causing genetic defects.H350May cause cancer.H372Causes damage to organs (liver) through prolonged or repeated exposure.H411Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
Always read the SDS issued with your specific batch. In the United States, MDA is additionally subject to the OSHA-specific substance standard 29 CFR 1910.1050, which covers exposure monitoring, regulated areas and medical surveillance. Handle with chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection and adequate ventilation.
Storage
Store in tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, protected from light and prolonged air exposure to limit discolouration, and segregated from strong oxidisers and acids.
Handling
Use with local exhaust ventilation and appropriate personal protective equipment. Minimise dust generation when handling flake material, and handle molten product under an inert blanket where colour specification is critical. Avoid skin and eye contact.
Transport
Ships as UN 2651, Class 6.1 (toxic substance), typically Packing Group III, and is also declared as a marine pollutant for sea freight. We confirm and document packing group and exact classification for your specific shipment and destination.
Every batch, documented
We verify documentation before dispatch so there are no surprises at your incoming-goods bench.
Specification agreed
Assay, colour and moisture confirmed against your process requirement before order placement.
Producer batch testing
The producing plant tests each batch against the agreed specification before release.
Documentation review
COA, SDS and dangerous-goods paperwork checked by our desk before the shipment is booked.
Traceable dispatch
Each shipment is traceable to its producing batch, with full chain-of-custody records on request.
How 4,4'-methylenedianiline is made
4,4'-Methylenedianiline is produced industrially by the acid-catalysed condensation of aniline with formaldehyde, followed by neutralisation and purification, a standard route for this class of aromatic diamine.
We do not publish operating process parameters here; this is background only. Full technical and safety documentation accompanies every shipment, and any process-specific detail you need is best confirmed directly with our technical desk.
| Chemical family | Primary aromatic diamine, difunctional |
|---|---|
| Basic character | Weakly basic aromatic amine, two reactive –NH₂ sites |
| Reactivity | Phosgenated to MDI; reacts with epoxides as a curing agent |
| Related products | MDI, polymeric MDI (PMDI), MOCA |
Explore the wider amine range
4,4'-Methylenedianiline, answered
What is 4,4'-Methylenedianiline used for?
What is MDI and how does it relate to MDA?
Is 4,4'-Methylenedianiline hazardous?
What is the UN transport classification?
What grade and physical form do you supply?
Do you manufacture this yourself?
- Need a related amine? See our Diisopropylamine and Triethylamine pages.
Get a quote on 4,4'-Methylenedianiline today
Send us your required grade, physical form, pack size and delivery window. We will come back with a firm quote, lead time and full documentation.