Nitrobenzene

Nitrobenzene

Nitrobenzene (commonly known as oil of mirbane; CAS 98-95-3) is the simplest aromatic nitro compound. It appears as a pale yellow to colorless oily liquid; the pure substance is nearly colorless, whereas the industrial grade exhibits a yellow-green hue due to the presence of dinitrobenzenes. It possesses a characteristic bitter almond odor and is relatively stable under normal conditions.
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Product Introduction

Zouping Jinxing Chemical Co., Ltd. is one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of nitrobenzene in China. If you're going to wholesale bulk nitrobenzene made in China, welcome to get free sample from our factory. All customized products are with high quality and low price.

 

Key physicochemical properties

 

Appearance: Pale yellow to colorless oily liquid; pure product is nearly colorless, while the industrial grade appears yellow-green due to the presence of dinitrobenzenes; possesses a characteristic bitter almond odor.
Boiling point: 210.8°C; Melting point: 5.7°C (crystallizes at low temperatures).
Density: 1.198 g/cm³ (at 25°C); heavier than water.
Flash point: Approx. 88°C (closed cup) → Combustible liquid (GHS Category 4 flammable liquid, but difficult to ignite).
Vapor pressure: Approx. 0.25 mmHg at 25°C; evaporates slowly, but the vapor is 4.2 times heavier than air and tends to spread along the ground.
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (0.19 g/100 mL at 20°C); miscible with ethanol, diethyl ether, benzene, chloroform, and acetone; serves as an excellent solvent for many organic substances.
Stability: Relatively stable under normal conditions, but hazardous when exposed to high temperatures, open flames, or strong reducing agents; undergoes sulfonation upon prolonged contact with strong acids.

Chemical behavior

 

Resistant to oxidation and electrophilic substitution: The –NO₂ group is strongly electron-withdrawing, deactivating the benzene ring; halogenation or nitration requires harsh conditions.
Typical reduction: Under conditions such as Fe/HCl, Sn/HCl, or H₂/Pd → aniline (its primary industrial use is the production of aniline).
Birch reduction: Liquid ammonia/alkali metal → 1,4-dihydrobenzene derivatives.
Free-radical reactions: Can act as an electron acceptor, participating in SET processes; serves as a sensitizer in certain photochemical reactions.

Primary Uses

 

Aniline production: Over 90% of global nitrobenzene is used for catalytic hydrogenation to produce aniline (for MDI, rubber additives, and dye precursors).
Solvent: Formerly used as a solvent for natural rubber, resins, and fatty acids; largely replaced now due to toxicity.
Flavoring: Used in very small quantities to mimic the aroma of bitter almonds or cherries (now largely banned in food products and replaced by safe alternatives like synthetic benzylidene acetone).
Organic synthesis intermediate: Used in the synthesis of p-aminophenol (a raw material for paracetamol), azo dyes, and quinoline alkaloids.

Safety, Storage, and Transportation

 

GHS: H301 Toxic if swallowed; H311 Toxic in contact with skin; H331 Toxic if inhaled; H373 May cause liver damage through prolonged exposure; H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
Toxicological mechanism: Metabolically reduced (especially via dermal absorption) to aniline derivatives, oxidizing hemoglobin to methemoglobin (MetHb) and causing loss of oxygen-carrying capacity → cyanosis, dyspnea, methemoglobinemia; also causes liver damage, hemolysis, and CNS depression.
Acute toxicity: Rat oral LD50 ~590 mg/kg (toxic; not extremely toxic, but certainly not to be underestimated); dermal absorption is the primary route of occupational poisoning-avoid rubbing the back of the hand against it even when wearing gloves.
Handling: Use fume hoods and fully enclosed transfer systems; wear nitrile gloves (check regularly for damage), safety goggles, and a respirator (with organic vapor cartridges); do not heat in open vessels.
Storage & Transport: Store in sealed containers away from light at <40°C; keep away from strong reducing agents (e.g., zinc dust, sodium dithionite), strong acids (exothermic reaction upon contact), and ignition sources; absorb spills with sand or earth; prevent entry into sewers (due to persistent aquatic toxicity).
Firefighting: Use foam, CO₂, or dry chemical; combustion produces toxic NOx fumes; firefighters require SCBA.

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