o-Nitrotoluene (ONT) Supplier | High Purity CAS 88-72-2
You may also have had this experience: for the same dark T-shirts, some remain relatively stable in color after washing many times; some look “grayish” after wearing for one season. For another example, the printing color of certain packaging boxes is full and does not look old after being placed on the shelf for a long time; while some simple printed matters are easier to fade under light.
Many people will attribute these differences to “better fabrics“, “more expensive printing” or “more serious factories”. These statements often make sense, but if you push the lens further upstream, you will see a structure closer to the truth: what the finished product end sees is color and hand feel; what the industrial end is doing is a complete set of repeatable formulas, processes and supply chain controls. And in this chain, there are many chemical raw materials and intermediates that “will not appear in the consumer’s vision”, which determine the yield level of subsequent products, whether stable scale-up production can be achieved, and are also more convenient for quality consistency management.
Today we want to start talking from a typical upstream intermediate: o-Nitrotoluene (o-Nitrotoluene / 2-Nitrotoluene), CAS No. 88-72-2. It does not appear directly in clothes, packaging or rubber products, but in the chains of dyes, fine chemicals, material auxiliaries, etc., it is often used as an important “basic module”.
Table of Contents
What exactly is o-Nitrotoluene?
1. Basic Information
o-Nitrotoluene (o‑Nitrotoluene / 2‑Nitrotoluene) is an aromatic nitro compound, usually appearing as a pale yellow to yellow liquid at room temperature; crystallization or solidification phenomena may occur under lower temperature conditions.
In order to facilitate everyone to quickly establish cognition, let us first look at its basic “identity information”:
| English Name | o-Nitrotoluene / 2-Nitrotoluene |
| CAS No. | 88-72-2 (This is its unique ID number globally in the chemical industry) |
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₇NO₂ |
| Common Aliases | 2-Methylnitrobenzene, 2-Nitrotoluene, ONT (commonly used abbreviation in the industry), 1-methyl-2-nitrobenzene. |
2. Isomers: What is the relationship between ONT, MNT and PNT
To truly understand o-Nitrotoluene, we must first understand a chemical concept—isomers.
Imagine you have several Lego bricks: a benzene ring (hexagonal base), a methyl group (small decoration), and a nitro group (another small decoration).
You fix the methyl group on one corner of the base, then, where the nitro group is placed determines the final shape and name of this “house”.
If the nitro group is next to the methyl group (at the ortho position), that is our protagonist today: o-Nitrotoluene (ONT).
If the nitro group and the methyl group are separated by one position (at the meta position), that is m-Nitrotoluene (MNT). MNT is usually a by-product of the reaction and needs to be strictly controlled.
If the nitro group runs to the directly opposite side of the methyl group (at the para position), that is p-Nitrotoluene (PNT).
This is the famous “Nitrotoluene Three Brothers”. Although their chemical composition is exactly the same, merely because the positions are different, their physical properties, chemical activities and final uses are vastly different.
3. Key Physical Property Data Table
In order to allow R&D and purchasing personnel to have a more intuitive reference, we have organized the following key physical property data. Please note that these data are not just cold numbers, each corresponds to precautions in actual operation.
| Physical Property Indicator | Typical Parameter/Description | Practical Significance Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Pale yellow to yellow oily liquid | The depth of color can often reflect the storage time or the situation of trace impurities (color may deepen after oxidation). |
| Melting Point | -4 ℃ to -3 ℃ (depending on purity) | Although the theoretical melting point is relatively high, in actual storage, obvious overall solidification usually only begins to appear at around -10℃, but once crystallized in winter, re-melting takes time, and temperature control heating measures (such as heating belts/coils) need to be taken. |
| Boiling Point | About 222 ℃ | This is a high boiling point solvent/intermediate, meaning it is not easy to volatilize, but pressure control needs attention in high temperature reactions. |
| Flash Point | About 107 ℃ - 108 ℃ (Closed Cup) | Although it belongs to combustible liquids, the flash point is relatively high, and compared to low flash point solvents, the fire risk is slightly lower, but strict fire prevention is still needed. |
| Relative Density | 1.163 g/mL (at 25 ℃) | Heavier than water. Once a leak occurs, it will sink to the bottom of the water, which brings special challenges to water body emergency treatment. |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water, soluble in ethanol, ether, benzene | Cleaning storage tanks cannot use water alone, organic solvents or specialized cleaning agents are needed. |
| Special Tip: At the chemical production site, the yellow color of o-Nitrotoluene is often its signature characteristic. But it should be noted that with the passage of storage time, or contact with light, the color may turn into reddish-brown. Although this does not necessarily represent a significant drop in purity, this is an intuitive signal of product "freshness" and storage conditions. |
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Where is it "used"
Understanding what it is, let us look at what use it exactly has. This part of the content will help B-end customers in different industries find resonance. The reason why o-Nitrotoluene becomes a bulk chemical raw material is that it is in the “throat” position of multiple value chains.
We can imagine ONT as a crossroads, starting from here, leading to three completely different worlds: the color world, the agricultural world and the fine synthesis world.
1. The Cornerstone of the Dye World
2. The Guardian of Agricultural Harvest
3. Intermediates for Pharmaceuticals and Other Fine Chemicals
1. The Cornerstone of the Dye World
This is the most traditional and also the largest application field of o-Nitrotoluene.
In the dye industry, ONT is usually not used directly, but first passes through a key process—reduction reaction (usually hydrogenation reduction or iron powder reduction), converted into o-Toluidine.
o-Toluidine is a superstar in dye synthesis. It is an indispensable intermediate for synthesizing the following categories of dyes:
Magenta and Basic Dyes: Remember the bright T-shirts we mentioned at the beginning? Many red and purple tones originate from magenta type dyes. o-Toluidine provides the molecular skeleton required for this vivid color shade.
Sulphur Dyes: This is one of the most economical dyes in cotton textile dyeing, especially when dyeing black and dark blue denim.
Acid Dyes: Used for the dyeing of wool, silk and nylon.
Value Chain Logic:
For dye manufacturers, the purity of raw material ONT directly determines the “Shade” of the final dye. If excessive isomers (especially meta-MNT) are mixed in ONT, the generated dye may appear Off-shade, causing a decrease in dyeing intensity or the scrapping of the entire tank of fabric. Therefore, high-end dye customers are extremely sensitive to the isomer content of ONT.
2. The Guardian of Agricultural Harvest
With the growth of the global population, how to produce more grain on limited arable land? Chemical herbicides play an important role in it.
o-Nitrotoluene is a key starting material for synthesizing various amide herbicides. This route is usually:
o-Nitrotoluene -> o-Toluidine -> Ethylation/Chloroacetylation and other reactions -> Final Herbicide
The most typical end products include:
Alachlor
Acetochlor
Metolachlor
These herbicides are widely applied to dry field crops such as corn, soybeans, and peanuts. They can precisely seal the soil surface, inhibit weed germination, thereby leaving nutrients to crops.
Data Supported Perspective:
From the perspective of the global agrochemical market, although new formulations emerge one after another, amide herbicides still occupy a huge market share by virtue of their extremely high cost-performance ratio and stable efficacy. This means that as the upstream raw material, the market demand for o-Nitrotoluene has strong rigidity and anti-cyclicality.
3. Intermediates for Pharmaceuticals and Other Fine Chemicals
In addition to the above two pillars, ONT also plays an irreplaceable role in many subdivided fields, although the usage amount may not be as large as the former two, the technical content is often higher.
Pharmaceutical Synthesis: In the pharmaceutical industry, it is a building block for constructing certain complex molecular structures. For example, in the synthesis path of intermediates for certain anti-infective drugs or cardiovascular drugs, functional groups derived from ONT are needed. (Note: Only chemical synthesis paths are discussed here, involving no specific indications or medical advice.)
Rubber Auxiliaries: The aging resistance and oxidation resistance of rubber products often rely on specific rubber auxiliaries. Certain downstream derivatives of o-Toluidine are exactly important raw materials for rubber antioxidants.
Perfumes and Specialty Chemicals: In certain synthetic perfumes, ONT can be converted into compounds with special aromas after side chain oxidation or reduction.
Purchasing Guide - How to screen high-quality ONT suppliers?
Since o-Nitrotoluene is so important, then for the Purchasing Manager or Supply Chain Director of B-end enterprises, how to find reliable suppliers in a mixed market?
As Shandong Zhishang New Material Co., Ltd., based on years of industry experience, we have summarized the following three dimensions of consideration standards for you. This is not only our self-requirement, but also the industry’s general “pitfall avoidance guide”.
1. Quality Dimension
2. Compliance and Risk Control Dimension
3. Service Dimension
1. Quality Dimension
Most suppliers’ COA (Certificate of Analysis) will write “Purity ≥99%”. But in practical application, what truly determines good or bad is often the remaining 1%.
Focus on Isomer Content:
As mentioned before, ortho (ONT), meta (MNT) and para (PNT) properties are different. In certain fine synthesis reactions, mixing in 0.5% of other isomers may lead to side reactions, generating tar-like impurities that are difficult to separate.
Our Suggestion: When making an inquiry, explicitly request the supplier to provide Gas Chromatography (GC) analysis reports, focusing on asking about the upper limit of other isomers content. Zhishang New Material can provide high-purity grade products (for example, strictly controlling the total amount of MNT and PNT), ensuring your downstream reaction yield is stable.
Focus on Moisture and Acidity:
Trace amounts of moisture may destroy certain water-sensitive catalysts; while residual acidic substances may corrode your equipment. High-quality ONT should be fully washed, dried and rectified, presenting neutrality (acidity is usually required to be <0.01%, calculated as H₂SO₄).
2. Compliance and Risk Control Dimension
o-Nitrotoluene belongs to Class 6.1 Toxic Substances (UN 1664). This means that it is strictly controlled in the “Catalog of Hazardous Chemicals“, and purchasing, transportation and storage all require “complete licenses”.
Qualification Audit:
Does the supplier hold a valid “Hazardous Chemicals Operation License“? If it is a manufacturer, is there a Work Safety License? Today, as environmental protection inspections are increasingly strict, suppliers without compliant qualifications are like a time bomb, which may cut off supply due to production suspension for rectification at any time.
Transportation Compliance:
ONT must be transported using vehicles with hazardous chemical transportation qualifications. Packaging drums must meet UN Certified Packaging Requirements (PG II).
Our Advantage: Shandong Zhishang New Material possesses a perfect hazardous chemical logistics network and possesses corresponding hazardous chemical operation qualifications (qualification documents can be provided on demand). Whether you need small batch drum packing (200kg/drum) or large batch tank truck (ISO Tank) distribution, we can organize compliant transportation according to regulations and SOP, and ensure the goods are safely delivered to your factory, and provide complete SDS (Safety Data Sheet) and transport documents.
3. Service Dimension
In B-end business, price is important, but due to the volatility of the chemical market, the stability of the supply chain is often more valuable than the low price of a single purchase.
Spot Goods and Lead Time:
In this industry, “Lead Time” (delivery cycle) is key. Large suppliers will usually have reasonable inventory levels to buffer market fluctuations.
Customized Indicators:
If your downstream process is special (for example, requiring ultra-low moisture, or specific stabilizer addition), is the supplier willing to cooperate to adjust indicators?
Zhishang New Material’s Commitment: We not only sell products but also provide solutions. Our technical team can talk directly with your R&D department, understand your process pain points, and provide the most matching batch.
Conclusion - The Bridge Connecting Molecules and Commerce
Back to the question about color at the beginning of the article.
When we admire the brilliant prints on T-shirts, o-Nitrotoluene (CAS 88-72-2), this yellow liquid emitting aromatic characteristic odor in the laboratory, is exactly a bridge connecting the microscopic molecular world and macroscopic commercial value.
Whether it is an engineer developing a new formula, or a purchasing manager looking for a stable source of goods—we know deeply that what you need is not just a drum of chemicals. What you need is:
Certain quality, to ensure the yield of the production line;
Compliant delivery, to avoid legal risks in the supply chain;
Timely response, to cope with the rapidly changing market situation.
Shandong Zhishang New Material Co., Ltd. is committed to becoming the strongest link in this chain. We do not manufacture concepts, we only transport molecules, and ensure that every molecule goes precisely to where it should go.
If you need more detailed technical parameters: Please contact us to ask for the latest COA (Quality Inspection Sheet) and SDS.
If you are calculating the annual procurement cost: Please tell us your estimated usage and delivery port, and we will provide you with a highly competitive quotation plan.
If you have special requirements for indicators: Our technical team is ready to listen to your needs at any time and customize exclusive raw material plans for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: Usually not (unless verified by special processes). Although their molecular formulas are the same, different spatial structures lead to huge differences in chemical activity. For example, in dye synthesis, the ortho product corresponds to magenta/red base, while the para product corresponds to a completely different color system. Mixing will cause product scrapping. Be sure to check the label and COA before feeding.
A: Not necessarily deteriorated. Aromatic nitro compounds are relatively sensitive to light and air. Long-term contact may cause slight side reactions or generate colored impurities, causing the color to change from pale yellow to reddish-brown. Under normal circumstances, if the chromatographic purity (GC Purity) is still up to standard, this slight color change will not affect most traditional downstream chemical reactions, but when used for producing high-purity pharmaceutical intermediates or color-sensitive light-colored dyes, it is recommended to conduct a small sample test first. If the color is extremely deep or turbid, re-inspection is recommended.
A: It is a Class 6.1 toxic substance and is combustible. Inhalation of vapor or skin contact is harmful.
Storage Three Principles:
Cool and Ventilated: Keep away from fire and heat sources, warehouse temperature should not exceed 35℃.
Sealed Preservation: Prevent vapor leakage and oxidation.
Separate Storage: It is strictly forbidden to mix storage with oxidizers, reducing agents, and alkalis to avoid violent reactions.
A: Standard packaging is usually 200kg galvanized iron drums (closed drums). For large usage customers (such as large dye factories or pesticide factories), we also support Tank Truck (ISO Tank) bulk liquid delivery, which can significantly reduce packaging costs and drum bottom residue loss.
A: The crystallization point/freezing point of o-Nitrotoluene is about -4℃ to -3℃. In cold regions, it may indeed crystallize or solidify.
Treatment Method: Move the drum to a greenhouse to warm up slowly, or use a heating belt with temperature control/water bath heating. It is strictly forbidden to use open flames to bake the drum body directly, which is extremely easy to cause fire or safety accidents.
A: It is recommended to pay attention to Crystallizing Point (Crystallizing Point/Freezing Point) and Moisture. The crystallizing point is a physical indicator reflecting isomer purity, which often reflects the overall quality more intuitively than chromatographic data. High moisture content will affect the efficiency of subsequent reactions such as chlorination.
A: We support providing small package samples for customers in R&D and pilot production stages. Please contact the sales team of Shandong Zhishang New Material through official channels and provide your company qualifications (due to hazardous chemical control requirements, we cannot send samples to individuals).
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References & Data Sources
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1. Product Identification & Basic Information
PubChem Compound Summary: 2-Nitrotoluene (CAS 88-72-2). National Library of Medicine (NIH). [Link] -
2. Physicochemical Properties
NIST WebBook: o-Nitrotoluene. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). [Link] -
3. Hazardous Substances Data
o-Toluidine - HSDB (Hazardous Substances Data Bank). National Library of Medicine (NIH). [Link]