1. Product Introduction & Main Application
Arnico’s Nitrobenzene is a pale yellow, oily liquid with a pungent, sweet almond-like odor, produced by the direct nitration of benzene using a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acid. This vital chemical intermediate is almost entirely consumed (about 97%) for the production of aniline, and is also used as a solvent in chemical reactions and the synthesis of pharmaceutical and dye intermediates.
2. Technical Specifications
| Technical Parameter | Hydrogenation Grade (to Aniline) | Chemical Synthesis Grade | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity | ≥ 99.8 | ≥ 99.5 | % |
| Unreacted Benzene | ≤ 20 | ≤ 100 | ppm |
| Dinitrobenzene | ≤ 5 | ≤ 20 | ppm |
| Water | ≤ 0.1 | ≤ 0.2 | % |
| Color (APHA) | ≤ 50 | ≤ 100 | Pt-Co |
| Freezing Point | 5.5 – 5.7 | 5.4 – 5.7 | °C |
3. Features & Benefits
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The Main Aniline Precursor: Exceptional purity with minimal dinitrobenzene content, which eliminates the poisoning of the hydrogenation catalyst.
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A Controlled Nitration Reaction: Produces a consistent, high-quality product with a high yield.
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A Specific Polar Solvent: Provides selective solubility for certain Friedel-Crafts reactions.
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Complete Reduction Capability: Converts to aniline with a yield approaching 100%.
4. Industrial Applications
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Aniline Production: > 95% of the world’s consumption is for the synthesis of aniline, and subsequently MDI.
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Chemical Industry: A solvent in the synthesis of dyes and pharmaceutical intermediates.
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Paracetamol Production: The synthesis route from benzene, via nitrobenzene.
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Explosives & Oxidizers: A raw material for some specialty formulations.
5. Safety & Handling
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MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): This substance is highly toxic! It is absorbed through the skin and respiration and causes severe methemoglobinemia. The Arnico MSDS is vital and mandatory.
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Storage Conditions: Store in stainless steel or coated carbon steel tanks, in a cool, dark environment, away from bases and strong reducing agents.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Level A full personal protective equipment, an SCBA respirator, and environmental monitoring are required.
6. Quality Assurance & COA
Arnico Nitrobenzene shipments are accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing the GC purity and freezing point.
