4,4'-Methylenedianiline
The direct precursor to MDI — the diisocyanate behind most of the world's polyurethane foam — and a monomer in its own right for high-performance polyamide, polyimide and epoxy-hardener chemistry.
Chelora Chemicals supplies MDA to polyurethane, epoxy and specialty-polymer manufacturers worldwide, with full documentation and regulatory support on every consignment.
Product identity
- CAS Number
- 101-77-9
- IUPAC name
- 4,4'-Methylenedianiline
- Molecular formula
- C₁₃H₁₄N₂
- Molecular weight
- 198.27 g/mol
- Melting point
- 89 °C
- Boiling point
- 398-399 °C
- UN Number
- UN 2651
- HS Code
- 2921 59*
* Confirm the current HS classification, SVHC/REACH status and import regulatory status for your destination with your own regulatory affairs team.
What 4,4'-Methylenedianiline is used for
4,4'-Methylenedianiline (MDA) is an off-white to tan crystalline solid at room temperature, handled molten above its melting point in large-scale industrial use. Structurally, two aniline-derived rings are joined by a single methylene bridge, giving the molecule two primary amine groups positioned for further reaction.
MDA's single largest use is as the direct precursor to methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI): MDA is reacted, typically with phosgene, to produce MDI — one of the two main diisocyanates used to make polyurethane foams, elastomers, coatings and adhesives worldwide. MDA is also used directly as a monomer for polyamides, polyimides and polyimines, as a hardener for epoxy resins and adhesives, and as a feedstock for high-performance polymers; it can also be hydrogenated to make 4,4'-diaminodicyclohexylmethane, another important polymer building block.
Where it sits in the aromatic amine family
- Aniline the primary feedstock from which MDA is made (via reaction with formaldehyde). See that page.
- 4,4'-Methylenedianiline (this product) the direct MDI precursor and standalone polymer monomer.
- MOCA (MBOCA) a chlorinated analogue used as a polyurethane elastomer curing agent. See that page.
Appearance and handling character
MDA may cause an allergic skin reaction, is suspected of causing genetic defects, may cause cancer, causes damage to organs through single or repeated exposure, and is toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. It is recognised by NIOSH as a potential occupational carcinogen and is listed as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) under REACH. Full hazard details are in the Safety section below.
| Parameter | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Off-white to tan flake / molten liquid |
| Assay | 99.0% min |
| Melting point range | 88-90 °C |
| Colour (molten, Hazen) | 100 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 | Off-white to tan crystalline solid; handled molten above 89 °C |
| Boiling point | 398-399 °C |
| Melting point | 89 °C |
| Density (molten) | 1.05 g/cm³ (at 100 °C) |
| Water solubility | Slightly soluble |
| Amine class | Bis-primary aromatic amine |
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 diamine to work
A bis-aromatic-amine building block spanning polyurethane, epoxy and engineering-polymer chemistry.
MDI precursor
Reacted to form methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), the diisocyanate behind most polyurethane foam, elastomer and coatings production.
- Polymer-grade specification
- Bulk & drum supply
- Technical desk review on request
Polyamide & polyimide monomer
A direct monomer for high-performance polyamide, polyimide and polyimine resins.
- Technical-grade specification
- Documented batch traceability
- Contract & spot supply
Epoxy-resin hardener
Used as a crosslinking hardener in select epoxy resin and adhesive formulations.
- Packs from drum / heated bulk
- Full analytical documentation available
- Retained sample held against the lot
High-performance polymer feedstock
A building block for feedstocks used in demanding engineering-polymer applications.
- Technical grade specification
- Documented batch traceability
- Technical desk review on request
4,4'-Diaminodicyclohexylmethane precursor
Hydrogenated to yield another important polymer-chemistry building block.
- Research & process-scale quantities
- Full documentation supplied
- Technical desk review on request
Contract & scheduled supply
Polyurethane and epoxy plants running continuous consumption are supported with scheduled bulk delivery.
- 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. MDA's recognised carcinogen status means regulatory documentation and controlled handling are central to every order — that shapes how we manage this line.
We place your order with whichever qualified producer best matches your required grade, your price point and your delivery window, and confirm your jurisdiction's import and occupational-exposure requirements before booking.
We keep a second qualified source on this line, so a single-plant disruption never becomes your production problem.
- Assay and colour confirmed before we quote. Consistency matters to downstream MDI and polymer feedstock quality.
- UN 2651 and SVHC/REACH documentation managed end to end. Classification, labelling and carrier compliance confirmed before booking.
- Carcinogenicity declarations filed correctly. Every shipment carries the correct hazard and regulatory declarations.
- Scheduled call-off scheduling. We hold contracted tonnage and release it against your consumption 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
Drum or heated bulk tank — tell us your preferred format and we will quote and classify to it.
Fibre or steel drums
For flake or solidified molten material, rated for UN 2651-classified handling and transport.
Polymer-plant bulk volumes
Shipped molten in heated transport, sized to continuous MDI and polymer-plant consumption.
Minimised-exposure handling
Transfer arrangements discussed with your EHS team to minimise operator exposure consistent with this product's hazard profile.
Incoterms to suit you
Quoted on the Incoterm your purchasing team works to, with documentation filed before booking.
Trial / sample quantities
Small packs dispatched for process trials before a commercial order is placed, with handling guidance attached.
Contracted call-off supply
We hold contracted tonnage and release it against your consumption calendar.
Suspected carcinogen — strict exposure control required
MDA's recognised carcinogenicity concern makes engineering controls, PPE and exposure monitoring the central handling priorities. The summary below is orientation only — the safety data sheet supplied with your specific batch, and your jurisdiction's occupational exposure limits, are the authoritative documents.
Classified hazards
H317May cause an allergic skin reaction.H341Suspected of causing genetic defects.H350May cause cancer.H370Causes damage to organs.H373May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.H411Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
Occupational exposure limits apply. OSHA sets a permissible exposure limit of 0.01 ppm (8-hour TWA). Always read the SDS issued with your specific batch and follow your site's engineering controls and medical-surveillance requirements for this material.
Storage
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated and access-controlled area, away from strong oxidisers and acids. Molten material requires heated, closed storage systems.
Handling
Use with engineered local exhaust ventilation and closed-transfer systems wherever possible. Skin and respiratory exposure must be controlled to the applicable occupational exposure limit, with appropriate PPE, medical surveillance and training for personnel.
Transport
Shipped as UN 2651. We confirm and document packing group, SVHC/REACH status, 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 regulatory documentation 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, SVHC declaration and transport 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 MDA is made
4,4'-Methylenedianiline is produced industrially by the acid-catalysed condensation of aniline with formaldehyde, a long-established reaction in aromatic-amine chemistry, followed by purification to the required polymer-grade assay.
We do not publish operating process parameters here; this is background only. Full technical, safety and regulatory documentation accompanies every shipment, and any process-specific detail you need is best confirmed directly with our technical desk.
| Chemical family | Bis-primary aromatic amine |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen sites | Two primary aromatic amine groups |
| Reactivity | Converts to MDI via phosgenation; reacts with epoxides and carbonyls |
| Related compounds | Aniline (parent), MOCA (chlorinated analogue), MDI (downstream) |
Explore the wider amine range
4,4'-Methylenedianiline, answered
What is 4,4'-methylenedianiline used for?
How is MDA related to MDI and aniline?
Is MDA hazardous?
What grade do you supply?
What packing do you offer?
Do you manufacture this yourself?
- Need a related amine? See our Aniline and MOCA (MBOCA) pages.
Get a quote on 4,4'-Methylenedianiline today
Send us your required grade, pack size and delivery window. We will come back with a firm quote, lead time and full documentation.