Ortho-Chloroaniline
Chelora Chemicals supplies ortho-chloroaniline (2-chloroaniline) for azo dye and pigment synthesis, MOCA (polyurethane curing agent) production, and pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediate manufacture, backed by full batch documentation and controlled logistics.
As a chlorinated aromatic amine with recognised acute toxicity and reproductive/mutagenicity hazard classifications, ortho-chloroaniline is supplied to industrial buyers under strict handling, transport and documentation controls, with technical and regulatory support available at every step.
Product identity
- CAS Number
- 95-51-2
- Chemical Class
- Chlorinated primary aromatic amine
- Molecular Weight
- 127.57 g/mol
- Physical State
- Colourless to pale yellow liquid; darkens on standing/air exposure
- Related Compounds
- Precursor to MOCA (4,4’-methylene-bis(2-chloroaniline))
Note: Ortho-chloroaniline is distinct from its downstream condensation product MOCA (4,4’-methylenebis(2-chloroaniline), CAS 101-14-4), which carries its own IARC Group 1 classification and dedicated regulatory controls. Ortho-chloroaniline itself does not carry a formal IARC monograph classification, but its acute toxicity, suspected mutagenicity and suspected reproductive toxicity classifications warrant the same rigorous handling discipline. Chelora Chemicals documents both substances separately and accurately.
What Ortho-Chloroaniline is used for
Ortho-chloroaniline (2-chloroaniline) is a chlorinated primary aromatic amine produced industrially by the catalytic reduction (hydrogenation) of ortho-chloronitrobenzene, itself derived from the chlorination and nitration of benzene. It is a colourless-to-pale-yellow liquid at room temperature that darkens progressively on exposure to air and light, a characteristic common to many aromatic amines.
Its single largest industrial application is as the building block for 4,4’-methylenebis(2-chloroaniline), commonly known as MOCA — formed by condensing two molecules of ortho-chloroaniline with formaldehyde. MOCA is a widely used curing (chain-extending) agent for polyurethane elastomers, and demand for ortho-chloroaniline tracks this downstream market closely.
Beyond MOCA production, ortho-chloroaniline is an important intermediate in azo dye and organic pigment manufacture (as a diazo component in acid, direct and pigment dyes), and finds further use as a building block in pharmaceutical and agrochemical synthesis. Chelora Chemicals supplies ortho-chloroaniline to each of these downstream industries with the specification and documentation their processes require.
| Parameter | Typical value | |
|---|---|---|
| Assay | ≥ 99.0% (typical technical/industrial grade) | GC |
| Water Content | ≤ 0.3% | Karl Fischer |
| Colour (APHA) | ≤ 50 (fresh material) | Visual/Spectrophotometric |
| Isomeric Purity | Free of para- and meta-chloroaniline isomers to spec | GC |
Important: the figures above are indicative of commercial grade material and are offered for planning only. The batch certificate of analysis is the governing document. If your process demands a tighter specification, send us the specification and we will quote against it rather than against a generic grade.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C6H6ClN |
| Molecular Weight | 127.57 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 208 – 210 °C |
| Melting Point | −8 to −2 °C |
| Density (25 °C) | 1.213 g/cm³ |
| Water Solubility | ≈ 5.1 g/L at 20 °C |
Physical constants compiled from public reference data for CAS 95-51-2 and rounded for readability. Treat them as orientation, not as a specification.
Applications of Ortho-Chloroaniline
Ortho-chloroaniline's chemistry as a chlorinated aromatic amine makes it a versatile diazo and condensation building block across elastomer, dye, pharmaceutical and agrochemical manufacturing.
MOCA / Polyurethane Curing Agent Production
The principal application — condensation with formaldehyde produces MOCA, the leading curing agent for cast polyurethane elastomers.
- MOCA synthesis
- PU elastomer curing agent
Azo Dye & Pigment Intermediate
Used as a diazo component in the manufacture of acid, direct and pigment-grade azo dyes (e.g., Fast Yellow GC base and related colourants).
- Azo dye diazo component
- Organic pigment intermediate
Pharmaceutical Intermediate
Building block in the synthesis of a range of active pharmaceutical ingredient intermediates.
- API intermediate synthesis
- Fine chemical building block
Agrochemical Intermediate
Raw material in the synthesis of certain herbicide and fungicide active ingredients.
- Herbicide intermediate
- Fungicide intermediate
Rubber & Resin Chemicals
Feedstock for specialty rubber chemical and synthetic resin intermediates beyond MOCA itself.
- Rubber chemical synthesis
- Resin intermediate
Analytical & Research Use
Used as a laboratory reagent and reference standard, including in mutagenicity/genotoxicity assay research.
- Laboratory reagent
- Reference standard
How we supply Ortho-Chloroaniline
Chelora Chemicals supplies ortho-chloroaniline with full batch documentation — assay, water content, colour and isomeric purity — matched to the requirements of MOCA producers, dye/pigment manufacturers and fine-chemical synthesis customers.
Given its acute toxicity and CMR (carcinogenic/mutagenic/reprotoxic-suspect) hazard profile, we apply enhanced documentation and buyer-verification steps to every order, ensuring the material reaches appropriately equipped industrial users with the correct handling protocols in place.
- MOCA-Grade Purity Assay and colour specifications matched to polyurethane curing-agent production.
- Dye-Grade Consistency Isomeric purity controlled for consistent diazotisation performance.
- Controlled Logistics UN-rated packaging and toxic-liquid transport documentation on every shipment.
- Full Regulatory Documentation SDS, COA and transport paperwork issued to current GHS/UN standards.
Packed the way your lab or plant receives it
Ortho-chloroaniline ships as a toxic liquid under UN dangerous-goods regulations, in sealed drums or ISO tanks with appropriate labelling and transport documentation.
Steel Drums
UN-rated steel drums for toxic liquids (UN 2018/2019 chloroaniline entries), suitable for standard industrial volumes.
ISO Tank Containers
Bulk liquid ISO tank shipment for large-volume MOCA and dye-manufacturing customers.
Bulk Tanker
Dedicated bulk road/rail tanker delivery for integrated domestic manufacturing sites.
Custom Packaging
Alternative packaging formats available to match your site's handling and regulatory requirements.
Safety & Handling
Ortho-chloroaniline is classified as acutely toxic by all exposure routes, with suspected mutagenic and reproductive-toxicity effects and documented hematological (methaemoglobin-forming) activity, requiring rigorous engineering controls and PPE.
Classified hazards (treat conservatively)
H301Toxic if swallowedH311Toxic in contact with skinH331Toxic if inhaledH319Causes serious eye irritationH341Suspected of causing genetic defectsH361Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn childH373May cause damage to organs (blood) through prolonged or repeated exposureH410Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Ortho-chloroaniline, like many aromatic amines, is absorbed readily through intact skin as well as by inhalation and ingestion, and can induce methaemoglobin formation — reducing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity and producing symptoms such as cyanosis (blue-grey skin/lips), headache and dizziness. No formal IARC monograph classification is currently assigned to ortho-chloroaniline itself (as distinct from its downstream derivative MOCA, which is IARC Group 1), but its suspected-mutagen (H341) and suspected-reprotoxicant (H361) classifications mean it is handled with the same rigor as a confirmed CMR substance pending further data. Always read the SDS issued with your specific batch before finalising your handling procedure.
Spill & emergency orientation
Plan your response before the container arrives, not after a spill occurs. The points below are orientation for your emergency planners — sections 4, 5 and 6 of the SDS are the authoritative instructions and should be posted at the point of use.
- Evacuate non-essential personnel and ventilate the area; avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
- Contain spills with inert absorbent material; do not allow entry to drains or waterways given aquatic-toxicity classification.
- Use appropriate chemical-resistant PPE (see handling section) during containment and clean-up operations.
Storage
- Store in tightly closed containers away from light and air where possible to limit oxidative darkening and degradation.
- Segregate from strong oxidizers, acids and food/feed materials in dedicated toxic-substance storage areas.
- Ensure storage areas have secondary containment and are accessible only to trained personnel.
Handling & PPE
- Use impervious chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof eye/face protection and appropriate respiratory protection during handling.
- Provide local exhaust ventilation at transfer points to control vapour exposure.
- Implement a documented medical surveillance programme (including methaemoglobin monitoring where indicated) for workers with regular exposure potential.
Transport
We confirm and apply the correct transport classification for every consignment of this compound based on your specific batch's documentation, rather than assuming a fixed classification. We classify each shipment, apply appropriate packaging and labelling, and file the export documentation before booking — ask us for the current paperwork when you plan the shipment.
What travels with every consignment
A chemical shipment is only as good as the file that travels with it. Verifying what the source plant sends is precisely the work you are buying from a supplier.
Certificate of Analysis
Assay, water content, colour and isomeric purity reported for every batch.
Regulatory Documentation
Current SDS and UN dangerous-goods transport documentation issued with every shipment.
Batch Traceability
Full traceability from production lot through to final delivery.
Chemistry of Ortho-Chloroaniline
Ortho-chloroaniline is produced industrially by nitration/chlorination of benzene followed by catalytic hydrogenation, and serves as the direct precursor to the polyurethane curing agent MOCA.
Chlorobenzene/Nitrobenzene Route
Benzene is chlorinated and nitrated (via chlorobenzene nitration or nitrobenzene chlorination routes) to yield ortho-chloronitrobenzene.
Catalytic Hydrogenation
Ortho-chloronitrobenzene is catalytically hydrogenated (or reduced) to ortho-chloroaniline.
Purification & Distillation
Crude product is purified by distillation to remove isomeric (meta-/para-) chloroaniline impurities and unreacted intermediates.
Downstream Condensation (MOCA)
Two molecules of ortho-chloroaniline are condensed with formaldehyde under acid catalysis to form MOCA, the polyurethane curing agent.
Ortho- vs. Para-Chloroaniline
Ortho-chloroaniline (2-chloroaniline) and para-chloroaniline (4-chloroaniline) are positional isomers differing in where the chlorine substituent sits relative to the amine group. This changes their downstream chemistry significantly: ortho-chloroaniline is the isomer used to manufacture MOCA and related ortho-substituted dye intermediates, while para-chloroaniline is used for a different set of azo dyes, pharmaceutical intermediates and agrochemicals (including certain pesticide active ingredients). Both isomers carry broadly similar acute-toxicity and methaemoglobin-forming hazard profiles, and Chelora Chemicals supplies each isomer to its own accurate specification rather than treating them as interchangeable.
| Intermediate | Principal outlet |
|---|---|
| Benzene Aromatic feedstock for chloronitrobenzene/chloroaniline production | benzene |
| Toluene Diisocyanate Related polyurethane-system chemical (curing-agent partner) | toluene-diisocyanate |
| Aniline Related unsubstituted primary aromatic amine | aniline |
If your route calls for one of the others, we supply those as well — see the full intermediate range. Send the CAS number and we will confirm the correct material before quoting.
What actually moves the price of this intermediate
Ortho-chloroaniline demand is closely tied to the polyurethane elastomer (MOCA) market, with secondary demand from dye, pigment, pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediate manufacturing.
MOCA Market Linked
The majority of global ortho-chloroaniline demand is driven by MOCA production for cast polyurethane elastomers.
- PU elastomer demand
- MOCA production linked
Dye & Pigment Demand
A meaningful secondary demand base comes from azo dye and organic pigment manufacturing.
- Azo dye demand
- Pigment manufacturing demand
Regulatory-Sensitive Trade
Toxic-substance transport and import/export controls in various jurisdictions influence regional supply availability and logistics costs.
- Dangerous-goods regulation
- Import/export controls
| If your end use is… | Specify | |
|---|---|---|
| MOCA-Grade | ≥ 99.0% assay, controlled colour | Polyurethane curing-agent production |
| Dye-Grade | ≥ 99.0% assay, controlled isomeric purity | Azo dye/pigment manufacture |
| Technical Grade | ≥ 98.0% assay | General industrial/pharmaceutical intermediate use |
Not sure which column you are in? Describe the reaction you are running and our technical desk will confirm the exact isomer and grade you need.
Support that goes beyond shipping the pack
What our technical desk will do
- Grade and specification guidance matched to MOCA, dye/pigment or pharmaceutical intermediate production requirements.
- Support with dangerous-goods transport documentation and import/export compliance for your jurisdiction.
- Technical guidance on handling controls and medical surveillance programme design for regular users.
Regulatory & compliance notes
- Import controls vary by destination. We check the destination rules before quoting, not after you have raised the PO.
- Chemical inventory listings differ between regions. Confirm your obligations under the applicable inventory regime for your import volume — we will supply the identity data you need for that filing.
- Transport classification is confirmed for every batch based on its own documentation and filed before booking.
- Downstream regulatory status of whatever you build from this intermediate is a separate question your own regulatory team should confirm for your specific finished product.
None of the above is legal advice — your own regulatory affairs team owns the final compliance position for your import. What we commit to is giving you accurate product identity data, an honest statement of the hazard classification for your specific batch, and complete documentation to work from.
From enquiry to delivered pack
Submit a Buyer-Qualification Enquiry
Given ortho-chloroaniline's acute toxicity and CMR-suspect classification, tell us about your intended use, handling capability and volume.
Confirm Specification
We confirm grade, assay, colour and packaging format against your process needs.
Documentation
SDS, COA and UN dangerous-goods transport documentation issued with the order.
Shipment
Drums, ISO tank or bulk tanker dispatched under appropriate toxic-liquid transport controls.
What buyers ask us about Ortho-Chloroaniline
What is ortho-chloroaniline used for?
Its principal use is as the precursor to MOCA (4,4’-methylenebis(2-chloroaniline)), a widely used polyurethane elastomer curing agent; it is also used as an intermediate in azo dye, pigment, pharmaceutical and agrochemical manufacture.
Is ortho-chloroaniline the same as MOCA?
No. Ortho-chloroaniline is a single-ring chlorinated aniline that is condensed with formaldehyde to produce MOCA, a separate two-ring diamine compound with its own distinct CAS number (101-14-4) and IARC Group 1 carcinogen classification.
Is ortho-chloroaniline classified as a carcinogen?
Ortho-chloroaniline does not currently carry a formal IARC carcinogenicity classification, but it is classified as acutely toxic (H301/H311/H331) and carries suspected-mutagen (H341) and suspected-reproductive-toxicant (H361) hazard statements, so it is handled with comparable rigor.
What health effects can ortho-chloroaniline exposure cause?
Like many aromatic amines, it can cause methaemoglobin formation, reducing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity and producing symptoms such as cyanosis, headache and dizziness, in addition to skin, eye and respiratory irritation.
Do you require buyer qualification before supplying ortho-chloroaniline?
Yes. Given its acute toxicity and CMR-suspect classification, we ask prospective buyers to confirm their intended use and handling capability as the first step in our ordering process.
Request pricing on Ortho-Chloroaniline
Request a quote on ortho-chloroaniline — MOCA-grade and dye-grade material, supplied with full regulatory documentation and controlled toxic-liquid logistics.